Man Utd player ratings: Redemption for Antony & Fred in Europa League victory!

Antony Manchester United 2022-23
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Fred was superb once again while his compatriot came off the bench to fire his team beyond the Catalan giants.

It was a Jekyll and Hyde performance from Manchester United as they beat Barcelona 2-1 (4-3 on aggregate) to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Antony's angelic finish completed the massive turnaround from the Red Devils, who were sloppy and turgid in the first half, but smooth and effective in the second to secure a deserved win.

Robert Lewandowski gave Barca the lead in the first half after Bruno Fernandes' recklessness conceded a penalty, but it was the Portugal star who helped set up the fantastic Fred for the equaliser before playing a role in the winner.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Old Trafford...

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    David de Gea (6/10):

    Got a hand to Lewandowski's penalty but it was not enough to keep the striker out. Gave Barca a golden opportunity with a horrible pass to nobody in particular. Pulled off a strong save on a Kounde header that proved vital.

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):

    Some wayward passes and crosses in the first half but he grew into the game with some decent attacking moves.

    Raphael Varane (7/10):

    A decent performance from the centre-back, who looked comfortable defensively and found Antony with an excellent long pass. Made a huge block to deny Lewandowski right at the end.

    Lisandro Martinez (8/10):

    Solid at the back once again. If Barca managed to get past Shaw on the left, Martinez was there to cut them out. Even recovered from his own initial mistakes, like digging in to stop Kessie after failing to play him offside.

    Luke Shaw (5/10):

    A poor performance from the left-back. Barca were able to get by him one too many times and he did not offer much going forward.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Casemiro (8/10):

    Always lingering around the base of the midfield, ready to sweep up and cut out Barca's passes. Saved De Gea's blushes with a vital intervention after De Gea served up a great chance on a plate.

    Fred (7/10):

    Another strong performance from the Brazilian midfielder, got a well-deserved goal to level the score. Fought hard for every ball that came near him all over the pitch. He's been so often maligned by fans, so this was a big moment for him.

    Jadon Sancho (5/10):

    Tasked with playing in the number 10 role for the first half and did not look comfortable at all. Moved to the left wing and United immediately reaped the rewards, as he played it into Bruno, who teed up Fred for the equaliser.

  3. Attack
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    Attack

    Marcus Rashford (6/10):

    Had a rather quiet first half but was more lively in the second as United's attack changed shape. Chased down balls with determination and was more of a direct threat but not as devastating as fans have come to expect.

    Wout Weghorst (4/10):

    Tried to press the Barca defence but was tame on the ball and unsurprisingly replaced by Antony at half-time.

    Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

    Let his team down with a silly foul to give away a penalty and got a needless booking for smashing the ball straight at De Jong. Proved important early in the second half when he set up Fred's equaliser, won the ball for to create the winner and was still giving his all until the very end.

  4. Subs & Manager

    Antony (8/10):

    Replaced Weghorst for the second half and was trying hard to create some danger, eventually firing in the decisive second goal. His biggest moment with the Red Devils - by far.

    Diogo Dalot (6/10):

    On in the second half for Wan-Bissaka and was immediately overlapping Antony on the right. Helped United remain threatening for the rest of the match.

    Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

    Replaced Sancho to provide a more direct threat and looked more lively than his predecessor.

    Scott McTominay (N/A):

    Took Rashford's place late on but did not have enough time to make an impact.

    Erik ten Hag (9/10):

    Made some key half-time changes to inspire his team's turnaround in the second half. They were second best for the first 45 minutes but he corrected his mistake by moving Sancho from a central position to the left and Fernandes to the right. Bringing Antony and Garnacho on for the underwhelming Weghorst and Sancho proved perfect calls, too.