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Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-2 Cardiff City

A horrible season ends in predictable fashion

Manchester United v Cardiff City - Premier League Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

In a match with nothing to play for, Manchester United still found a way to lose. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored on either side of halftime to give Cardiff City a comfortable 2-0 win on the final day of the 2018/19 Premier League season. That’s their first win over United since 1960, too.

Two wins in twelve. Just a single point against two relegated teams in the last week. It can’t get much worse than this for the Reds. Cross your fingers for Manchester City to complete their domestic treble next weekend or United will start next season with a Europa League qualifier on July 25. Ugh.

David De Gea: 6

As acrobatic as ever to keep out Josh Murphy’s bender. On the other hand, DDG didn’t even get close on the opening penalty. He hasn’t saved a spot-kick in over two years.

Diogo Dalot: 5

Harshly penalized for a “foul” on Mendez-Laing. Not his best performance, but Dalot won the ball and didn’t deserve to concede the penalty. A pin-point cross to Greenwood nearly put United on the board.

Ashley Young: 4

Filled in for Luke Shaw on the left. Young always works hard, but his dead ball deliveries have never been worse. Great character — but no longer worthy of a starting spot.

Chris Smalling: 4

Went missing on Cardiff’s second goal, capping a poor day on the backline. With Lindelöf out, Smalling’s poor distribution really stood out and disrupted United’s passing rhythm.

Phil Jones: 5

Removed at halftime, possibly with an injury. Does anything else sum up his season — and United career — better than that?

Scott McTominay: 5

Started in midfield and moved to center back in the second half. That’s obviously not McTominay’s strongest position and he got twisted around on the Cardiff throw-in that led to Mendez-Laing’s second.

Andreas Pereira: 5

Early on, Pereira shot just wide of the Cardiff goal. He followed that up with a deft chip to set Mason Greenwood free. A tidy performance, but still waiting for a breakthrough moment.

Paul Pogba: 4

So much talent, so little (recent) production. A big chunk of his gaudy stat-line came in a post-Mourinho euphoric blitz that’s long gone. Pogba tested Neil Etheridge’s goal from a tight angle, but rarely looked bothered. Who would pay £150 million based on this?

Jesse Lingard: 3

One strong shot stung Etheridge’s hands, but Lingard was mostly quiet. He never looked quite the same after his hamstring injury in February.

Marcus Rashford: 5

His bullet header nearly halved United’s deficit. Later, Rashford cut inside from the left and blazed a shot over the bar. Still lacking composure in front of goal. He needs to clear his head over the summer and work with Ole on turning his physical gifts into goals.

Mason Greenwood: 7

Seven shots in his first Premier League start. United’s standout performer and a bright spot for the club on a dreadful day. Greenwood is still a little loose with his finishing, but looks destined for stardom. He’s ready for a permanent spot with the first team.

Anthony Martial (Sub, 45’): 6

Blasted a long-range effort straight at Etheridge. Dangerous.

Antonio Valencia (Sub, 74’): N/R

Final appearance for the longtime Red.

Angel Gomes (Sub, 74’): N/R

Solskjaer gave another academy prospect a chance in the finale.