United cruise into the second round
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By Olumide Lawal
Manchester United cruised into the knockout stages of the Europa League with two games to spare in Group L after beating Partizan Belgrade 3-0 under the Old Trafford floodlights. Goals from United's front three Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were enough to see off their Serbian counterparts.
The Red Devils started the game all guns blazing, creating chances with ease and could've been three goals ahead in just 15 mins' if only Marcus Rashford was donning his scoring boots in the first half. The Englishman missed three clear cut chances in the opening minutes as he found spaces behind Partizan's defenders on multiple occasion.
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United didn't have to wait much longer as a low cross from left wing found Mason Greenwood in the box, the youngster twisted and turn from right to left and sent Partizan Belgrade's goalkeeper the wrong way to open the scoring for the home team.
Anthony Martial got the team's second after a loose ball came his way outside The Steamroller's box. The Frenchman dribbled past 3 opposing defenders & made sure his last touch ended in the net while Marcus Rashford added a third for the home team after the break with a left-footed thunderous strike after Ashley Young set him up nicely with a cool assist.
5 Talking Points from a comfortable victory for United;
1. Greenwood is a born finisher.
When you consider Rashford couldn't find the back of the net after 3 attempts, you have to applaud Mason Greenwood for his instinct, technique and calm nature in front of goal. The 18-year-old scored with his first attempt on goal.
2. Rashford should be a winger.
It's hard to ignore the fact that Marcus Rashford prefers to play from the wing as opposed to being a target man with his back to goal. He was lively on the night, linking up well with his teammates. The Englishman could've scored a first half hat-trick but he's not a ruthless finisher.
3. Romero unbeaten run continues
Sergio Romero is your ideal second choice goalkeeper. The Argentine has never lost a game at Old Trafford in normal time.
4. United needs to end games with same intensity.
Most of the club's best performances this season has come in the first half of games. United tend to start games well only to become clueless(or tired?)in the second half. They need to maintain same energy all through the 90 minutes if they want to achieve any success this season.
5. Time to focus on the Premier League.
With the club through to next round of the Europa League with two games in hand, now is the time to switch attention to the league where United have been poor so far. Brighton & Hove Albion visit Old Trafford on Sunday.
Bring it on!
Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero 7
He had a quiet game as he was barely tested by the away team.
Centreback: Harry Maguire 6
The Englishman was sloppy in possession. He wasn't 100% fit.
Centreback: Marcos Rojo 7
He did his job well.
Rightback: Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7
He was solid at the back & didn't look out of place going forward.
Leftback: Ashley Young (c) 5
He abadoned his primary role & left Rojo exposed on many occasions.
Midfieder: Fred 7
Had a few misplaced passes but was decent overall. Team lost control of the game after he was substituted
Midfielder: Scott McTominay 7
He was solid as usual. OGS will be hoping his injury isn't a serious one.
Midfielder: Juan Mata 7
He was quick and slick. The few weeks rest paid off for the Spainard.
Forward: Mason Greenwood 8
Scored with his first attempt. Always remind you of a certain Robin van Persie.
Forward: Marcus Rashford 7
He could've scored four or five goals but did well before going off.
Forward: Anthony Martial 7
The Frenchman was unplayable all through the night. He has to be consistent.
Anthony Martial got the team's second after a loose ball came his way outside The Steamroller's box. The Frenchman dribbled past 3 opposing defenders & made sure his last touch ended in the net while Marcus Rashford added a third for the home team after the break with a left-footed thunderous strike after Ashley Young set him up nicely with a cool assist.
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5 Talking Points from a comfortable victory for United;
1. Greenwood is a born finisher.
When you consider Rashford couldn't find the back of the net after 3 attempts, you have to applaud Mason Greenwood for his instinct, technique and calm nature in front of goal. The 18-year-old scored with his first attempt on goal.
2. Rashford should be a winger.
It's hard to ignore the fact that Marcus Rashford prefers to play from the wing as opposed to being a target man with his back to goal. He was lively on the night, linking up well with his teammates. The Englishman could've scored a first half hat-trick but he's not a ruthless finisher.
3. Romero unbeaten run continues
Sergio Romero is your ideal second choice goalkeeper. The Argentine has never lost a game at Old Trafford in normal time.
4. United needs to end games with same intensity.
Most of the club's best performances this season has come in the first half of games. United tend to start games well only to become clueless(or tired?)in the second half. They need to maintain same energy all through the 90 minutes if they want to achieve any success this season.
5. Time to focus on the Premier League.
With the club through to next round of the Europa League with two games in hand, now is the time to switch attention to the league where United have been poor so far. Brighton & Hove Albion visit Old Trafford on Sunday.
Bring it on!
Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero 7
He had a quiet game as he was barely tested by the away team.
Centreback: Harry Maguire 6
The Englishman was sloppy in possession. He wasn't 100% fit.
Centreback: Marcos Rojo 7
He did his job well.
Rightback: Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7
He was solid at the back & didn't look out of place going forward.
Leftback: Ashley Young (c) 5
He abadoned his primary role & left Rojo exposed on many occasions.
Midfieder: Fred 7
Had a few misplaced passes but was decent overall. Team lost control of the game after he was substituted
Midfielder: Scott McTominay 7
He was solid as usual. OGS will be hoping his injury isn't a serious one.
Midfielder: Juan Mata 7
He was quick and slick. The few weeks rest paid off for the Spainard.
Forward: Mason Greenwood 8
Scored with his first attempt. Always remind you of a certain Robin van Persie.
Forward: Marcus Rashford 7
He could've scored four or five goals but did well before going off.
Forward: Anthony Martial 7
The Frenchman was unplayable all through the night. He has to be consistent.
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