Manchester United vs Young Boys | Player Ratings for the Red Devils

A refreshing outing saw Manchester United secure a respectable 1-1 draw against Young Boys in their final UEFA Champions League group stage tie on Wednesday. Following Ralf Rangnick’s decision to field a distinct starting line-up – handing out two debuts – United coped excellently to the numerous changes in the initial period but failed to gradually improve their performance over the ninety minutes.

A sublime finish by Mason Greenwood saw the Red Devils take the lead within the first ten minutes. However, the home side gradually faded away as they struggled to dominate possession and remain clinical in the box for most of the game. Given the lack of minutes across the fielded XI combined with their lack of chemistry, the Red Devils, understandably, failed to deliver to the fans’ expectation heading into the fixture.

With the entire first-team line-up granted rest on Wednesday, Rangnick will be looking forward to maintaining United’s five-game unbeaten streak when they face Norwich City this weekend. Expected to field an unchanged team from their clash against Crystal Palace, the German manager will be hoping to have a few headaches in the team selection going forward. Now, let’s have a look at how the United players fared against Young Boys.

Starting XI

Dean Henderson (GK) – 6/10

Only his second start this season, the youngster remained a reliable figure between the sticks. Although a whistling finish from outside the box erased a potential clean sheet for Henderson, the Englishman remained assuringly comfortable throughout his time on the pitch. With Ajax reportedly interested in securing a loan move for Henderson in the next transfer window, the keeper will be hoping to impress the new manager before deciding over the coming weeks.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 5/10

Having sustained an unfortunate injury in the dying moments of the game, Wan-Bissaka will be hoping for a change in fortune over the remainder of the campaign. The right-back delivered a tame performance against Young Boys and, arguably, failed to provide any promise of challenging for a first-team spot anytime soon. Moreover, the full-back evidently struggled to deliver the attacking poise required of a full-back under the new system. Provided he struggles to deliver to renewed expectations, Wan-Bissaka is likely to find himself on the bench over the remainder of the campaign.

Eric Bailly (RCB) – 7/10

Delivering another rambunctious performance on Wednesday, Bailly will be hoping for an increase in game-time over the coming weeks. The Ivorian remained an integral figure in the team’s defensive display against Young Boys, sweeping up for his teammates on numerous occasions and registering numerous blocks in key moments throughout the game. With Raphael Varane due to return to the line-up, Bailly will be keen on making a case for himself over the coming weeks.

Eric Bailly, United vs Young Boys — Image Obtained via The Sun

Nemanja Matic (LCB) – 5/10

A surprise inclusion to the United backline, Matic remained a composed figure in the initial period against Young Boys. The Serbian, however, failed to build upon his decent start, having produced several unforced errors throughout the ninety minutes. Expected to remain a squad player under the new manager, Matic will be hoping to find some consistency going forward.

Luke Shaw (LB) – 6/10

A well-waited cross saw Luke Shaw deliver an impressive assist for United’s opening goal on Wednesday. Although the left-back only returned to the line-up for the first time since sustaining a head injury against Watford, Shaw’s performance proved little to dislodge a consistent Alex Telles against Norwich. Nevertheless, provided the left-back rises to the challenge, Shaw is more than capable of regaining his starting spot in the coming weeks.

Donny Van De Beek (CDM) – 6/10

Although the Dutchman’s error led to the equalising goal, Van de Beek delivered a noteworthy performance for United against Young Boys. Unsupported by an ebullient midfield partner, Van de Beek operated as a sole defensive midfielder on Wednesday. While the Dutchman reflected United’s rather sombre performance, he will be hoping to perform to the best of his opportunities over the coming month.

Juan Mata (CM) – 5/10

Besides producing a few penetrating passes, Mata struggled to make a noticeable impact on Wednesday. The midfielder failed in providing the requisite defensive cover without possession as his lack of game-time hindered United’s prospects in the build-up play. Expected to seek a move over the coming transfer windows, Mata is unlikely to challenge any first-teamers for a starting spot anytime soon.

Amad Diallo (RAM) – 6/10

Having found himself on the end of United’s best goal-scoring opportunity on the evening, Amad eventually failed to register his name on the team sheet. The young Ivorian remained an omnipresent threat in the first half but fell victim to the team’s lack of a proactive approach in the second. Amongst United’s brightest young prospects, Amad is likely to be granted a loan move in the coming transfer window.

Amad Diallo, United vs Young Boys — Image Obtained via Football Fancast

Jesse Lingard (LAM) – 4/10

Amongst United’s most apathetic players on the pitch, Lingard remained the most underwhelming of performers on Wednesday. The Englishman not only failed to make the most of his opportunity but showed little to pique the interest of the new manager. Unlikely to audition for a first-team role given his subdued display, Lingard will be hoping to significantly improve his performance in the immediate future.

Mason Greenwood (RF) – 7/10

Undeniably United’s most impressive player on the pitch, Greenwood displayed astounding maturity throughout the first half. Although the youngster gradually fell victim to the team’s lack of energy, his unselfishness is unlikely to remain unnoticed by the manager. Provided Greenwood continues producing impactful performances, the striker is the likeliest of players to challenge Marcus Rashford for a first-team spot going forward.

Anthony Elanga (LF) – 6/10

An energetic presence throughout the ninety minutes, much like his teammates, the youngster struggled to find the back of the net on multiple occasions. Amongst a few youngsters having impressed the new manager, Elanga will be hoping to gain some consistent game-time over the remainder of the campaign.

Substitutes

Teden Mengi (LCB) – 7/10

Although expected to make the starting line-up, Mengi made the most out of his cameo on Wednesday. The youngster involved himself in a couple of tasty tackles and displayed excellent composure in producing a couple of vital blocks in the second half. With much room for improvement, Mengi will be hoping to gain more first-team experience moving forward.

Shola Shoretire (RAM) – 6/10

An intense performance saw Shoretire inject an iota of grit in United’s stumbling second-half performance. Although the youngster failed to make a lasting impact, Shoretire succeeded in displaying a glimpse of his potential on Wednesday. A player for the future, the youngster will be keen on gaining first-team experience moving forward.

Tom Heaton (GK) – 6/10

Granted much-needed game-time, Heaton remained a composing figure between the sticks. Unlikely to move up the pecking order, Heaton will be keen on permeating his experience on the training ground over the coming months.

Zidane Iqbal (LAM) – 6/10

Making his first senior appearance after impressing in the youth competitions, Iqbal will be hoping to gain more experience going forward. A player to keep an eye on, the forward will be keen on remaining consistent in his performance going forward.

Charlie Savage (CM) – 6/10

Amongst the two debutants on the evening, Savage remained feisty from the get-go. Although the youngster did not make a significant impact, he will be hoping to continue impressing in the youth set-up over the remainder of the season.

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