Manchester United player ratings vs Young Boys in the Champions League

Marouane Fellaini’s stoppage-time winner gave Manchester United a hard-fought victory over Swiss champions BSC Young Boys on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League.

Marcus Rashford had the best chance of the first half when he was played in behind the backline by Luke Shaw but he failed to convert a rather simple chance.

United dominated possession and stamped their authority with their territorial advantage but the Red Devils just weren’t able to find that final spark.

Young Boys had a golden chance to cause a major upset in the second half when Kevin Mbabu was clear through on goal, only to be denied by a world-class save by David de Gea.

Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku combined inside the box in the dying stages of the game to propel United to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Manchester United player ratings

1. David De Gea (7.5/10)

Didn’t have much to do in the first half but produced a wonderful save in the second half to keep United in the game.

2. Antonio Valencia (5.5/10)

His first appearance after a long time and did not have too much to do at the back against a rather subdued opposition; did not contribute much to the attack either.

3. Chris Smalling (7/10)

Just like his defensive partners, he had very little to do at the back. Played some good long passes to set up attacks from the back.

4. Phil Jones (7/10)

He looked pretty solid at the back in what was his first outing after two months. Made some crunching challenges and did not look threatened by a tame opposition.

5. Luke Shaw (6.5/10)

Played in Rashford behind the backline with a wonderful pass in the first half and always a lively presence down the right. Combined quite well with Martial but could have done better with his link-up play.

6. Fred (6/10)

The Brazilian showed some elegant touches and added substance to the midfield with his crisp passing; added some impetus to the attack but gradually faded away as the game progressed.

7. Nemanja Matic (5.5/10)

Looked way off the pace and was booked. Did not have too much to deal with as the opposition hardly threatened; too slow on the ball to add any kind of impetus to the attack.

8. Marouane Fellaini (7.5/10)

The Belgian showed that he is not a perfect fit for a central attacking midfielder; looked a bit uneasy in an advanced role in the midfield and wasn’t able to time his runs to perfection. However, he combined well with Lukaku inside the box and found the net with a crisp finish.

9. Jesse Lingard (6/10)

A decent performance from the youngster; linked up very effectively with Rashford, creating chances in the final third and was always an energetic presence in midfield.

10. Anthony Martial (4/10)

He didn’t quite look like the player he was before the international break. Struggled to find his feet in the final third against a tame opposition and too way out of sorts; got into the box at times but couldn’t pull the trigger.

11. Marcus Rashford (4/10)

Surely he won’t be starting the next game after this performance; he was lively and energetic and impressed with his movement but squandered way too many easy chances; needs to work a lot on his finishing.

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Substitutes

Romelu Lukaku (7/10)

Bagged the all-important assist for Fellaini’s goal and his physical presence added substance to the attack.

Paul Pogba (6/10)

Set up the goal with his precise long ball.