Click it and Unblock the Notifications
|
1) Axel Tuanzebe ready for the first team
With so many senior players named against Rochdale, Solskjaer surprisingly gave the captain's armband to the 21-year-old defender only in his 10th start. The Rochdale-raised defender became the youngest player to captain United since Norman Whiteside in 1985, having skippered the club at every youth level before tonight.
Articulate and intelligent, his leadership qualities were clear and he purely justified the honour. He did not put a wrong foot in the game although denied a clean sheet.
|
2) Chong not ready for first-team football
Of the young players to be handed first-team opportunities by Solskjaer he is probably is worst among the lot till now after getting so many opportunities.
He was on point defensively but while trying to make things forward failed to have much of an effect and was replaced on the hour mark. He lasted only eight minutes longer against Astana.
Chong has demonstrated his ability in United's youth ranks time and again, but clearly, now it seems there are vast areas of improvement and he could further develop by loan spells in a one or two-tier level below.
|
3) Paul Pogba did not look 100% fit
Back after injury, this was a game the French World Cup winner should have taken to rehearse strongly ahead of Arsenal tie but he flitted in and out of the game without making a real impact against the League One side.
There were glimpses of his highest ability, clever movements and turns, but just as many signs of rustiness. He should have put United ahead in the 34th minute only to head over Greenwood's beautiful clipped cross which was arguably United's best chance of the evening.
4) Lingard and Fred disappoint again
In an evening where these two players should have dominated the midfield, the duo again looked out of touch. The number of times Fred gives away possession in the game outshines his forward movement.
On the other hand, Lingard although assisted Greenwood's game, but he consistently struggled to breakdown the opponent despite playing in his usual number 10 role.
