Manchester United produced a very poor display as they were beaten 2-1 to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.
United were already without 13 players due to injuries and that got worse in the pre-game warm-up as goalkeeper David De Gea got injured. One of those players they were without was captain Wayne Rooney and United certainly missed him. Rooney often comes under-fire for United’s performances but tonight they clearly missed his calming presence. With Rooney missing they lacked leaders on the field, Carrick was captain for the evening and with several young players on the field, he looked like the only person they could look to.
United took the lead through Memphis Depay as Midtjylland failed to clear their lines. Sergio Romero started due to the injury of De Gea and made some important saves to keep Midtjylland out, however he was unable to prevent Pione Sisto equalising due to a deflection off Chris Smalling’s shin. Jesse Lingard missed two very good chances for United before Paul Onuachu struck the winner to give the Danish side a shock win. United will still fancy their chances of going through to the next next with that important away goal.
Sergio Romero – 8/10
Romero pulled off some brilliant saves including a superb one-handed diving stop to keep out a powerful goalbound header from Onuachu in the second half. He kept United in the tie with his important saves.
Donald Love – 6/10
Love was making his first start for United and he made some good runs going forward but was often caught out of position in defence.
Paddy McNair – 6/10
McNair was making his European debut but struggled against a physical Midtjylland side.
Chris Smalling 6/10
Smalling also had a poor performance and with the lack of leaders in the squad and a young defence, Smalling needed to put on a strong performance.
Daley Blind 7/10
Blind was moved to left-back to accommodate with the recent injuries and he did a good job. He put in some dangerous corners and crosses and was one of few players on the field who looked comfortable on the ball.
Michael Carrick – 7/10
The captain added some stability to the midfield and defence but his misplaced pass helped Midtjylland with their first goal. He was one of few leaders on the field who young players could look to.
Ander Herrera – 7/10
Herrera had a poor game and didn’t have a lot of an influence on the game.
Jesse Lingard – 5/10
The winger had another poor game for United. He missed two brilliant chances and his crosses weren’t good enough to create any chances. Lingard isn’t a good enough player to be playing for United. Van Gaal sold Angel Di Maria and now plays Lingard on the wing – which is baffling!
Juan Mata – 6/10
Mata had a very good chance with a header but the ball was played just behind him. Mata found some good pockets of space but made a weak challenge on Onuachu just before he scored.
Memphis Depay – 7/10
Memphis was starting his first game since Boxing day and he was one of United’s best players on the field. He did well to score an important away goal and made some good runs and crosses into the box.
Anthony Martial – 7/10
Martial was given a chance to start as a striker due to the injury to Wayne Rooney but he failed to have the same influence he has had on recent games.
Manchester United
I’m Ready Says Manchester United WFC Star as She Bids to Show Club Form for England With Lionesses Facing Ukraine in World Cup Qualifier
Jess Park says she is ready to translate her excellent Manchester United form to the international stage with England. The 24 year old has lit up the Women’s Super League this season following her move from Manchester City to rivals United in September.
Park has become a star performer for manager Marc Skinner, scoring stunning goals and creating chances at big moments. However, she is yet to cement her place in the England starting XI under Sarina Wiegman. The Lionesses travel to Turkey for Tuesday’s game against Ukraine without injured United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal winger Beth Mead, meaning Park’s chances of starting have increased significantly.
The Change is What I Needed
“I’ve enjoyed my football since going to United. I think you can see that on the pitch, I’m expressing myself and I’m feeling confident. The change is what I needed to develop my football, and that’s what has happened,” Park explained. “For me, it’s just focusing on what’s next. I’m here with England, I’m ready to train, and I’m ready to play wherever I’m asked.”
Park has scored six goals and assisted four in 16 WSL matches this season. She has added two goals in five Women’s Champions League starts, with her stunning strike against Atletico Madrid sealing United’s place in the quarter finals.
Freedom to Express Herself at United
One of the biggest changes for Park this season has been her position, as she has largely been given a free role at United, coming in off the left hand side. She has more goal involvements in the WSL than any other English player this season.
Marc Skinner believes his use of Park could be a good audition for what Wiegman can do with her at England. “If you keep moving her and allowing her that freedom, she’ll create anything for anyone. The audition is great and hopefully Sarina can see that as well.”
Atletico Madrid
Phallon Tullis-Joyce Sends Bullish Message to Rest of Europe as Manchester United Women Goalkeeper Insists Nobody Should Underestimate Red Devils
Manchester United Women goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has sent a bullish message to the rest of Europe ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid. The American shot stopper insists teams underestimate United at their peril after the Red Devils secured an impressive 3-0 victory in Spain last week.
Marc Skinner’s side are riding high on a seven game winning streak and looks absolutely unstoppable at the moment. Tullis-Joyce kept another clean sheet in the first leg in Madrid and has been one of United’s standout performers throughout this Champions League campaign.
Might Ruffle a Few Feathers
Speaking in the pre match press conference, Tullis-Joyce revealed the mentality within the squad when asked about how the European campaign has progressed. “Yeah, it’s going great for us so far. I smiled a little bit when you mentioned people underestimating us, that might ruffle a few feathers in the locker room.”
The 29 year old paid further compliments to the team Skinner has built by stating, “We have a complete wealth of diversity and variety in our squad. Different players can step up in any game against any opponent. We’re taking nothing for granted in this next match.”
Special to Represent This Club
Tullis-Joyce was then asked whether keeping a clean sheet in the first leg gives her confidence heading into Thursday evening. She retorted, “I approach each game separately. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, this is the next game.”
Finally, she revealed her pride in representing Manchester United and stated, “It’s really special to be a player for the Manchester United women’s team. Being part of the continued history of this club is something I hold very precious. I love giving everything I can for the squad.”
United hosts Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday evening with kick off at 20:00 GMT.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
Atletico Madrid
Manchester United Women Dealt Blow as Full-Back Ruled Out for at Least Four Weeks With Meniscus Issue
Manchester United Women will be without full back Anna Sandberg for at least another month after Marc Skinner confirmed the Swedish defender requires surgery on a meniscus problem. The Red Devils boss revealed the injury timeline ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village.
Sandberg last played for United in the first leg against Atletico but was hauled off after just 49 minutes and replaced by Gabrielle George. The 22 year old has been a regular fixture in Skinner’s side this season, and her absence represents a significant blow to United’s defensive options during a crucial period.
Best Case Scenario is Four Weeks
Skinner revealed there needs to be a tidy up around Sandberg’s meniscus and provided a timeline for her potential return. “From the time frame we’ve been given, the best is four, the middle is six and obviously the worst case is eight. If it was eight, she would probably be back three or four games before the end of the season. We’re hopeful we can get it to six but won’t take any risk.”
The United boss emphasized they will not rush Sandberg back given her age and importance to the squad’s long term plans. This is smart management from Skinner, who cannot afford to jeopardize the defender’s career by rushing her rehabilitation.
Numbers Thinning at Left Back
With Sandberg ruled out and Fridolina Rolfo missing the first leg plus the London City Lionesses match, Skinner has a genuine headache at left back. Gabrielle George appears to be the only natural option available for Thursday’s clash, leaving United desperately thin in that position.
Ella Toone also remains out but could return for the crucial Manchester derby against City in March. United sits eight points behind the runaway leaders and needs to be perfect in their remaining fixtures while hoping City stumbles.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”