Manchester United have qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League, beating Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate after a 2-1 win in the second leg of their knockout round play-off at Old Trafford. Here’s how the players rated
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
David de Gea – 6
Refused to buy Lewandowski’s stuttering penalty run-up and almost pulled off a blinding save. A couple of other excellent stops although a poor clearance almost handed Barca a goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Struggled with Barca’s attacking speed and creativity though his pace bailed him out of some awkward situations. Was sacrificed for Dalot just after the hour.
Raphael Varane – 7
Cool and composed and needed to be in the long spells that Barca held possession. Couple of vital blocks in first half injury-time saved a goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
Relished the physicality of the occasion, especially in tussles with Lewandowski. Did a very good job of keeping the damage posed by the Pole to a minimum.
Luke Shaw – 7
Left-back put in a strong shift, especially in the second half when United had more of the ball and he was able to contribute more going forward. Kept the ball in play brilliantly for the second goal.
Casemiro – 7
Midfielder looked electric early with a couple of passes that unlocked the defence. Kept United moving and his passing was key to the second half recovery.
Fred – 6
Won the battle to partner Casemiro in midfield but hardly covered himself in glory until he popped up with a brilliantly-taken equaliser.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Missed a glorious chance after two minutes then suffered a moment of madness in conceding the penalty. Much better in the second half with a hand in two goals.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Started in the 10 position many feel may be his best but more effective when moved wide and responded by winning the ball in the build-up to the equaliser.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Far more effective after the half-time re-shuffle and looked more like his recent deadly self with some thrilling runs. Almost scored with a blast into the side netting.
Wout Weghorst – 4
Back in his specialist number nine role, but looked out of his depth and failed to factor and rightly replaced at the interval.
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 6
Saved well from Fernandes early and looked assured in handling balls into the area as United launched their second-half comeback.
Jules Kounde – 6
Was accidentally stamped on by Shaw in the first minute but showed no ill effects and almost scored a superb header only to be denied by de Gea.
Ronald Araujo – 5
Run around too easily in the second half and was exposed by United’s direct running at him. Far more comfortable when battling Weghorst.
Andreas Christensen – 7
Experienced centre-half showed great composure and his tackle on Antony after the break saved what looked a certain goal.
Alejandro Balde – 6
Left-back put in a strong showing at both ends of the field, not least in winning the penalty for the opener.
Frenkie de Jong – 8
Early clattering challenge on Weghorst announced Barca’s no-nonsense approach and was the start of an all-action evening for the Dutchman though he should have tracked Fred for the equaliser.
Sergio Busquets – 7
Veteran ran out of legs as the tie wore on but when Barca were on top looked poised and influential as defensive cover for his back four.
Franck Kessie – 6
Was ineffective in the second half as United’s more usual formation began to win the battle in midfield.
Raphinha – 5
Early shot flew well wide and the former Leeds man received predicable abuse for it. He got some from his manager as well after losing the ball for United’s equaliser.
Robert Lewandowski – 7
Almost made a meal of his penalty but delivered in the high-pressure atmosphere. Otherwise, United’s central defenders did a decent job of shepherding him.
Sergi Roberto – 6
Booked for an altercation with Fernandes and might have done better late in the first half when a de Gea mistake gifted him the ball in the United area.
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