Player Ratings: Brentford 1-3 Manchester United
Brentford 1-3 Manchester United | Premier League
Manchester United pick up their first league win of the new year swiping aside Brentford with a 3-1 victory. The first half was provided a display typical of what we have grown accustomed to seeing from United this season. On countless occasions, The Reds looked like schoolboys chasing shadows as Brentford’s intensity was too much for Ralf Rangnicks men.
Following some much-needed tweaks during the interval, United flew out the blocks. Anthony Elanga scored the opener showing his skill to touch and finish. Some superb interplay followed up Elanga’s goal and Mason Greenwood found the net after the ball was served on a plate by Bruno Fernandes. United’s third saw Marcus Rashford break his goal drought with his strike piercing the roof of the net.
Here’s how each player performed as united secured a crucial three points:
Goalkeeper & Defence
Embed from Getty ImagesDavid De Gea: 8
United’s number 1 pulled off some great one-vs-one saves in the game, massively helping them to victory.
Alex Telles: 6
Another solid display from Telles. The Brazilian constantly drove forward and whipped the balls into the box.
Raphael Varane: 7
Varane provided solidity at the back for Manchester United, using his athleticism and versatility to dominate the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo.
Victor Lindelof: 6
Another steady performance from Lindelof, clearing up effectively at the back. He dealt with the size and strength of Brentford’s forwards well.
Embed from Getty ImagesDiogo Dalot: 7
This was a stand-out performance from the full-back. He won the majority of his ariel duals and made some fantastic tackles to stagnate the opposition’s flow.
Midfield
Fred: 7
Fred was energetic and tenacious in the centre – hunting down possession and distributing the ball efficiently. Additionally, he managed to register a fantastic assist for Elanga’s goal.
Scott Mctominay: 8
Mctominay was nothing short of brilliant and appears to be improving every game. He was the key to United’s control of the midfield today. He relentlessly through Brentford’s midfield on countless occasions.
Embed from Getty ImagesBruno Fernandes: 8
Bruno registered 2 assists today and performed excellently in all areas. He seems to be gradually reaching his best again.
Attack
Anthony Elanga: 8
Elanga has been impressive over the last 2 games. His fighting spirit is sure to make him a favourite amongst the United fans. To add, he bagged a classy goal to put United ahead.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 6
Ronaldo was instrumental in the build-up to United’s second goal and linked up well with the other attackers. His experience seemed to help guide the younger players.
Embed from Getty ImagesMason Greenwood: 7
Greenwood put in a good shift today, also managing to bag himself a goal through being in the right place at the right time.
Substitutes
Harry Maguire: 5
Maguire was slightly inaccurate in his passing upon coming on. However, this could be attributed to his recent absence from the squad due to injury.
Embed from Getty ImagesMarcus Rashford: 7
Rashford made a tremendous cameo appearance, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to ensure United held a comfortable lead.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Matic came on at the end and assisted United in controlling the ball and seeing out the game.
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