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When Astana arrived at Old Trafford on Thursday to face Manchester United, the Premier League giants were slowly turning their season around. United arrived at the game on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Leicester City last Saturday, which was only their 2nd win in the 5 Premier League games this season. Solskjaer knew that he needed to start his Europa League campaign with a win, but he was faced with a severe selection dilemma ahead of the game.
The Norwegian was without Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw. To make matters worse, new signing Daniel James, who had been in blistering form for the Red Devils, was doubtful for the game too. Solskjaer, as such, had to make several changes to his team for the tie.
Manchester United Starting XI: Sergio Romero; Diogo Dalot, Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo; Fred, Nemanja Matic, Angel Gomes; Tahith Chong, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood.
The home side was in control for the majority of the first half but failed to find a breakthrough. United continued to dominate the game in the second half and finally took the lead in the 73rd minute through Mason Greenwood. It proved to be the match-winner as United held on for all 3 points. Here are 5 players who were impressive on the night.
#5 Fred
Fred got a rare chance to impress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after hitting the right note from the bench against Leicester City last weekend. The Brazillian started alongside Nemanja Matic and looked in control all through the game. His passing was immaculate, and he kept the ball ticking, helping United keep possession. Fred switched play with ease and brought the full-backs into the game, finding them with inch-perfect balls. The Brazilian also hit the crossbar with a thunderous volley early in the first half.
Fred was vital whenever United lost the ball, as he closed down the opponents and broke up their counter attacks. He dropped deep as required and also joined the attack, picking up pockets of spaces in the final third and combining well with his forward players.
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#4 Axel Tuanzebe
When Solskjaer changed his centre back duo for the Astana game, United supporters had every right to be worried. After all, a wobbly backline had been United’s bane last season. However, the Norwegian’s decision allowed Axel Tuanzebe to prove his worth and the Englishman certainly took the chance with both hands.
Tuanzebe was a picture of calm in the centre of the defence. The youngster did not put a foot wrong in the entire game and had an answer for everything Astana tried. He slid in to cover for Phil Jones and Diogo Dalot, showing amazing awareness on the pitch. He also stepped up to intercept the opposition play, nipping Astana attacking moves in the bud. His strength and aerial prowess were also impressive, as he bullied the opposition into submission. Even though there were a few moments of concern in the second half, Tuanzebe stayed strong and helped United gather another clean sheet at home.
But the biggest take away from his performance was his wonderful presence of mind and composure at the back. If Solskjaer does require a centre back to step up and fill in this season, he needs to look no further than Axel Tuanzebe.
#3 Angel Gomes
This season, the United faithful had been crying out for Angel Gomes to be used in the No. 10 role in the first team. Solskjaer had initially used Jesse Lingard as the No. 10, but the Englishman had failed to make a mark. Juan Mata had been preferred in recent games for the role and even though the Spaniard is tailor-made to play the part, his lack of speed hinders Solskjaer’s tactics. On Thursday, the United fans finally had their wish, as Angel Gomes started the game as the No. 10 and had a pretty decent game.
The youngster combined very well with the front three and his quick feet and low centre of gravity helped him carve out quite a few opportunities in the final third. Gomes won free-kicks in good positions and gave the visitors a harrowing time. He also stayed true to Solskjaer’s requirements, pressing the ball and closing down the opposition in the final third.
#2 Marcos Rojo
The Argentinean started at left-back as Solskjaer decided to give Ashley Young a break. Marcos Rojo was rarely troubled at the back and dealt with the threat of the Astana forward quite well. The Argentinean regularly bombed forward to join his attackers and it is here that he caused the away team a lot of trouble.
Rojo combined very well with Tahith Chong on the left flank and hugged the touchline to stretch the opposition defence. The Argentinean sent in quite a few delightful crosses in the first half, splitting the Astana defence wide open. Unfortunately, United failed to take advantage, especially in the first half. Rojo sent Marcus Rashford through on goal twice in a space of 2 minutes, with fantastic crosses from deep, however, the Englishman was guilty of being too casual with his finishing.
The Argentinean continued his brilliant form down the left in the second half and his crosses added a new dimension to this United team. Rojo suddenly looks good enough to challenge Luke Shaw for a first-team spot.
#1 Mason Greenwood
The youngster finally started his first game for Manchester United this season, after impressing off the bench in the Premier League. Mason Greenwood enjoyed a fabulous pre-season and was pushing for a starting place in the team, especially since the United attackers struggled in the Premier League. Against Astana, the youngster showed the world once again why he is so highly regarded at Manchester United.
Greenwood started in the right forward role and ran the channels well. His speed and movement kept the visitors on their toes all night. The youngster threatened to break away every time had the ball at his feet and also had a couple of half-chances to score in the first half. However, his moment arrived after the break.
Picking up the ball from Fred near the box, the youngster drove into the penalty area and then gave his marker the slip with a fantastic piece of skill. He followed that up with an accurate finish, right through the keeper’s legs. His goal settled the nerves around Old Trafford and helped United win the game.
