Player Ratings: Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona – McTominay continues to come of age, Lindelof leader at the back

Manchester United will be forced to mount another unlikely Champions League comeback in the Nou Camp after Luke Shaw’s early own goal gave Barcelona a narrow win in the first leg of the quarter-final at Old Trafford.

The Reds showed plenty of guts and spirit and didn’t deserve to lose, but the Catalan giants will go into the second game next Tuesday with a slender advantage.

Here are our player ratings from Old Trafford.

David de Gea – 7

Had little to do, bar one good save from Philippe Coutinho shortly before half-time and then another good stop from a Lionel Messi free-kick late on. Nothing he could do about the decisive goal that separated the sides.

Ashley Young – 7

Solid. His crossing was disappointing but Young had one of his better games, stuck to his task and did his best to get forward. But on a night when I was proud of the entire team, no one gets lower than 7.

Chris Smalling – 7

I was alive when Chris Smalling held his own against Lionel Messi. Very harshly booked late on but Smalling was excellent with his trusty sidekick Lindelof back alongside him. Can’t fault him.

Victor Lindelof – 7

The Iceman had another good game. Kept Messrs Suarez and Coutinho quiet, composed and undemonstrative, Lindelof has become the leader of the back four. Once again, didn’t put a foot wrong.

Luke Shaw – 8

Unlucky to see Suarez’s 12th-minute header go in off his shoulder, but otherwise Mr Consistent was just that again. His unfortunate booking rules him out of the second leg at the Nou Camp.

Scott McTominay – 9

McSauce’s showing belied his tender years. Against an unusually wayward and tentative Barcelona engine room, McTominay continues to come of age. His distribution was good, much of the Reds best work came through him and with Ander Herrera likely to go in the summer, perhaps United have already found his natural successor.

Fred – 9

Tenacious, brave, strong and brilliant both in attack and defence. His passing was fantastic and this was by far Fred’s best game for United. Harried Barcelona’s master passer Busquets into submission. The £52m finally came to the party.

Paul Pogba – 8

It was a night of bits of pieces for both United and their visitors, but Pogba was at his world-class best with his trademark surging runs, power and athleticism. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.  Conceding the late free-kick the only blot on his copybook. All three of United’s midfield men rate highly.

Marcus Rashford – 7

Made several promising runs in behind and definitely caused Barcelona problems. Should have done better with a miscued volley but epitomised his side’s work rate, energy and endeavour. Ran himself into the ground and was taken off.

Romelu Lukaku – 7

Starved of service as United struggled to get crosses in, but held the ball up well, his runs were good although he never really had a chance. Caused the usually dependable Lenglet some problems

Diogo Dalot – 7

Started nervously in an unfamiliar left-wing berth but, like United, grew into the game and came on strong as the match went on. Spurned United’s best opening with that first half header. Didn’t look overawed.

Subs

Anthony Martial (for Lukaku 68) – 6

Brought on to try and chase the game, had a few moments but didn’t have the impact it was hoped he would. Quiet.

Jesse Lingard (for Dalot 74) – 6

Came on and pressed with his trademark energy but didn’t get enough of the ball to make a difference. Can’t fault him though

Andreas Pereira  (for Rashford 85) – N/A

Came on late. No rating.

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