Brentford vs Manchester United | Player Ratings for the Red Devils

A brilliant performance by Manchester United saw them register their first win in two league games as the Red Devils savoured a promising 1-3 victory at the Community Stadium against Brentford on Wednesday. Despite a disjointed first-half performance, the visitors delivered a triumphant second-half display; netting three goals, as they now find themselves two points behind fourth-placed West Ham ahead of their trip to the London Stadium this weekend.

Goals from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood, and Marcus Rashford proved vital as the Red Devils look to find consistency across results and performance in the race for top-four. With the team in need of restoring confidence across the pitch, Ralf Rangnick’s side will be hoping to build upon Wednesday’s performance moving forward.

Starting XI

David De Gea (GK) – 8/10: Crucial saves in the first half, yet again, proved De Gea’s value to the side. The Spaniard’s heroics kept Manchester United in the game throughout the ninety minutes as he delivered another compelling performance against Brentford. With the team heavily reliant on his services, De Gea’s position is unlikely to be threatened anytime soon.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 7/10: Amongst the most promising performers on the evening for Manchester United, the full-back remained a crucial part of the proceedings against Brentford. Dalot’s ball progression combined with his positioning proved vital to the team’s performance, and he will be hopeful in building upon his display moving forward.

Diogo Dalot, Brentford vs Manchester United — Image Obtained Via: Ace Football

Victor Lindelof (RCB) – 7/10: Lindelof’s partnership alongside Raphael Varane, yet again, proved vital to the team’s solidity in defence. The Swede performed his duties diligently when called upon and remained a level-headed organizer in the backline. However, with Harry Maguire in contention to return to the line-up, it remains to be seen if Lindelof holds onto his place moving forward.

Raphael Varane (LCB) – 7/10: Arguably, the team’s most secure defender on the evening, Varane remained a vital presence in the backline. The Frenchman’s organization combined with his positioning proved vital to United’s dominant second-half performance while his aerial ability aided the team’s defensive set-up during set-pieces.

Alex Telles (LB) – 7/10: A lively presence down the flanks, Telles remained vital to United maintaining their shape during transitions in the second half. With Luke Shaw unlikely to returns anytime soon, the Brazilian will be keen on cementing his spot in the starting line-up over the coming weeks.

Scott McTominay (CM) – 7/10: Amongst United’s most promising performers on Wednesday, McTominay’s vision and attributes in possession ensured the team remained on the front-foot for most of the second half. Having been the team’s brightest performer since Rangnick’s arrival, it remains to be seen if the Scotsman fulfils his potential moving forward.

Scott Mctominay, Brentofrd vs Manchester United — (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Fred (CM) – 5/10: Although having registered an assist, the Brazilian struggled to impose himself in the midfield for most of the ninety minutes. With the manager keen on controlling games whilst developing an appetite for possession, it remains to be seen if Fred succeeds in delivering a series of favourable and consistent performances over the coming weeks.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – 7/10: The most impressive performer for Manchester United in recent outings, including against Brentford, Fernandes’ two assists ensured the midfielder stamped his authority on Wednesday. With the team in need of his services and contributions in keeping alive their hopes for top-four, the midfielder will be keen on delivering consistent contributions over the coming games.

Mason Greenwood (RW) – 7/10: Having registered his first contribution in five Premier League games on Wednesday, Greenwood ensured he delivered a resonant performance against Brentford. The winger remained a constant threat on the flank, delivering a relatively impactful display. With Jadon Sancho expected to return to the match-day squad this weekend, Greenwood will be hoping to build upon his recent performances over the coming weeks.

Anthony Elanga (LW) – 7/10: An exceptionally taken goal saw Anthony Elanga break the deadlock against Brentford. The youngster has been a breath of fresh air in recent weeks, having delivered impressive performances in his two Premier League starts hitherto. Provided the youngster continues delivering impactful performances, Elanga is likely to emerge as a crucial part of the starting lineup moving forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 5/10: Having struggled to find the ball at his feet throughout his time on the pitch, Ronaldo remained a shadow of himself on Wednesday. The Portuguese international failed to deliver an impressive performance, however, playing a crucial role in the team’s second goal on the evening. With the team delivering a relatively coherent performance in his absence, it remains to be seen if the Portuguese is going to be a crucial part of the starting lineup moving forward.

Substitutes

Harry Maguire (LCB) – 6/10: Partly at fault for Brentford’s only goal on the evening, Maguire remained an unconvincing figure during his cameo on Wednesday. However, having only had his first taste of minutes since returning from injury, it remains to be seen if the Englishman improves his performances and retains his spot in the backline this weekend against West Ham.

Marcus Rashford (RW) – 7/10: A confident finish saw Marcus Rashford net United’s third goal on Wednesday. Having delivered an energetic cameo against Brentford, it remains to the seen if the Manchester United winger retains his spot in the starting lineup moving forward.

Nemanja Matic (CDM) – 6/10: Introduced replacing McTominay in midfield, Matic provided adequate security to the backline in the dying minutes of the game. Having been dropped following an inadequate performance against Villa, Matic will be keen on retaining his place in the starting line-up against West Ham on Saturday.

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