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Player Ratings: Granada 0-2 Manchester United

Ratings in after a vital 1st leg win in Spain

Granada CF v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Leg One Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

David De Gea: 7/10

Tested very few times, so difficult to accurately evaluate. Never troubled by Kenedy’s long range shots, and his defenders controlled the middle well despite some scary set piece opportunities.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7/10

Had some trouble dealing with Kenedy, but never gave up any dangerous chances. Better in the air today than he was last Sunday too.

Victor Lindelof: 9/10

Strong in defense today against some rough play from Granada. Did well to avoid a booking in a physical game with a trigger happy referee, and provided an excellent assist for Marcus Rashford’s opening goal.

Harry Maguire: 8/10

Seemingly wherever he was needed for United today. Turned up on the wing, in the middle of the park, and as always a crucial presence in defense. Unfortunately picked up a yellow and will miss the second leg.

Luke Shaw: 6/10

One of Shaw’s least effective appearances this season. He was the second victim of the referee’s senseless bookings, and will miss the 2nd leg. Subbed at half time, and didn’t get the chance to grow into the game.

Scott McTominay: 6/10

Average performance from McTominay, but he did help boost United’s physicality in midfield against Granada’s roughhousing. Unfortunately, like several of his teammates, he was given a yellow and will miss the 2nd leg. His yellow was however probably warranted.

Paul Pogba: 6/10

Started poorly, and was the target of Granada’s midfield swarm early. Picked up a yellow for an early challenge, which restricted his defensive effectiveness, but ultimately he put in an average performance and avoided a red to stay available for next week.

Bruno Fernandes: 8/10

Absent for bits of the game, but as always one of the hardest workers on the pitch. Did well to dictate the game and keep United in possession and control for big stretches of the match. Converted a penalty won after suffering a blow to the head in the box.

Mason Greenwood: 6/10

Started centrally after a good striker’s goal against Brighton last weekend, but didn’t follow up with another goal. Had some chances through take ons, but couldn’t find a way through Granada’s defense.

Marcus Rashford: 8/10

Certainly looked hobbled after leaving the Brighton match injured, but again turned up with a nice goal. Timed his run onto Lindelof’s long ball perfectly, controlled the ball, and placed it past Rui Silva for 1-0. He couldn’t play a full 90, but is the first Manchester United player with back to back 20 goal seasons since Wayne Rooney.

Daniel James: 6/10

Not a huge contributor today, but did a lot of useful running at Granada’s defense. Looked to be injured by Duarte after an ugly challenge, but wound up getting the better end of it as his assailant left injured and James played on.

Substitutes

Alex Telles: 5/10

Came on at half time for Luke Shaw, but didn’t make much of an impact. A couple nice crosses.

Edinson Cavani: 5/10

Came on for Rashford, but missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 after Rui Silva missed a cross.

Donny Van De Beek: N/A

Didn’t make an impact, but ran around some. Will likely be needed next week with suspensions in midfield.

Nemanja Matic: N/A

Came on late and got booked.

Manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 8/10

Seemed to have picked a good, strong XI, but Granada’s physical play hindered United early. The referee didn’t help either, booking several United players early and preventing their attempts to match Granada’s strategy with strength. Still, his decision to start Rashford was vindicated with the opening goal, and he was able to keep him from playing a full 90. They pressed well for the second goal, and were eventually given a penalty to secure a solid 2-0 road victory. Not the prettiest win, but they don’t need to be in cups.