The United Devils

Picture courtesy of www.bing.com

Thursday 07 November 2019
Venue Old Trafford

Manchester United  vs Partizan 3-0
Mason Greenwood (22 mins)
Anthony Martial (32 mins)
Marcus Rashford (49 mins)

On a typical cold rainy wintry Manchester evening Manchester United were looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Europa League Competition having an impressive record of 14 games undefeated in the competition and looking to improve on this record against their visitors Partizan Belgrade. The Manchester United team that was selected  to start was a more experienced team than the team usually fielded by Solskjaer  with just Mason Greenwood representing the talented youth in the starting lineup.  Captain arm band handed to Ashley Young and Sergio Romero was in goals. Man United were looking to play a free flowing opening attacking brand of football and their intentions were clear as an Anthony Martial attempt was ruled offsides in the opening 2 minutes . Partizan also signalled their intentions and their first attempt at goal was also ruled offsides. Both teams  looked to take the initiative with the Red Devils creating a few early half chances for Marcus Rashford to test the Partizan goalie. Rashford was central in creating the opening goal for Mason Greenwood who calmly slotted home his first attempt at goal when he found himself unmarked and in a dangerous attacking position. Partizan were looking to get back into the game trying to catch United on the counter however  it was only a matter of time when  just after 30 mins Manchester United turned their possession into a fantastic individual bit of genius  from Anthony Martial. He picked up a lose ball just outside the danger area and managed to beat three defenders before skipping into the box and tucking the ball into the bottom corner of the goals. A few minutes later Martial had another opportunity to score but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

The second half continued where they left off in the first half with an absolute rocket off a strike from Marcus Rashford in the 49th minute with an assist from Ashley Young as once again United punished their visitors with the third goal of the evening. The team was firmly in control of the game with a Fred freekick nearly adding another goal to the score line allowed Solskjaer to make some tactical changes and bring on fresh legs with James Garner and  Andreas Pereira being brought on for Fred and Rashford respectively midway through the second half. Overall Solskjaer and the team could be happy with the performance another clean sheet and United are the only team yet to concede a goal in the competition this season thus far. Only concern may be a slight injury  McTominay picked up during the  closing moments of the game. The win takes Solskjaer's side back to the top of the Europa League  Group L standings and certain qualification to the next stage of the competition so far 3 wins and a draw in the games played thus far.

Player Ratings
Sergio Romero - 5  
Had very little to do, distribution  was not as accurate as it could have been.

Ashley Young (c) - 6  
Was very active down the left  flank was able to provide an assist for the third goal and led the defence admirably.

Harry Maguire - 6 
Still evidence of defensive frailties almost led to an early goal which was ruled off sides. Got stronger throughout the game with good timely interceptions.

Marcos Rojo - 5.5 
Fairly quite game but stuck to his task reasonably well.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka  - 7 
Impressed on the right flank with ability to deliver quality crosses into dangerous areas particularly in the first half.

Fred - 6 
Growing into the position has steadily improved and becoming more of an influence. Had an opportunity to get his name onto the score sheet with a good effort on goal.

Scott McTominay - 6.5 
Another solid performance  in midfield, is beginning to stamp his authority on games and is a  slight injury concern for Sunday.

Mason Greenwood - 7  
Scored opener and was instrumental in the assist for the second goal, he is impressing each time he gets opportunity to play. Goal was taken calmly and confidently.

Juan Mata- 7  
Seemed to tire towards end of the game but was key in creativity and link up play particularly with Rashford

Anthony Martial -  9    
I thought he was man of the match had a fantastic game and scored a brilliant individual goal. Nice link up play with Rashford putting him through just before half time unfortunately chance not taken by Rashford.

Marcus Rashford - 8  
Great game once again had a few chances early on and probably should have scored a brace, scored a screamer early in second half secured the win.

Substitutes
James Garner - 6 
Looked solid for his debut at Old Trafford replaced Fred in 63rd minute

Andreas Pereria - 5  
Was not really influential only had 20 mins replaced Marcus Rashford 67th minute

Jesse Lingard - N/A 
Was not on field for long replaced Scott McTominay in 75th minute.