Coming into Sunday afternoon’s Premier League match against Aston Villa, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s message would have been clear – do not let today be the day that Manchester City win the title.
Despite falling behind to a first-half opener following an excellent strike from Villains’ attacker Bertrand Traore, the Red Devils did what they so often do best – complete a comeback.
Second-half goals from midfielder Bruno Fernandes, teenager Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani ensured the Red Devils would be taking all three points away from Villa Park.
Most importantly though – not only did United bag a respectable win – their latest performance means Pep Guardiola’s wait for his third Premier League title must go on.
Following Sunday afternoon’s 3-1 win, we have rated every United player who featured.
Dean Henderson
Recalled back to his manager’s starting line-up – Henderson put in a decent and commanding domestic performance.
Not much he could have done about Bertrand Traore’s opener but vocal as always.
Rating 6/10
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Mr Consistency.
Looked solid in defence – made crucial first and second half blocks.
Competent going forward echoed by a decent assist for Mason Greenwood’s second-half goal.
Rating 7/10
Victor Lindelof
Arguably could have been stronger when trying to show Traore onto his left foot for Villa’s opener, but otherwise an okay showing.
Rating 6/10
Harry Maguire
Vocal, commanding and always a strong presence in the air.
No major errors – decent performance from the Red Devils’ captain – did go off injured late in the game though.
Rating 6/10
Luke Shaw
Started really well – constant threat down United’s left.
The Englishman’s attacking threat did fade away as the game went on, but overall, another excellent showing from one of the club’s best performers all season.
Rating 6/10
Fred
Weak and out-muscled for Villa’s opener but did grow into the game as it went on.
The Brazilian will have better days though.
Rating 5/10
Scott McTominay
Similarly to midfielder partner Fred, the Scot was timid in his defensive duties and offered very little in terms of attacking prowess.
Rating 5/10
Paul Pogba
Strong and arguably the heartbeat of Solskjaer’s midfield.
The Frenchman spent most of the game holding the ball up and looking to make late runs into his opponent’s box.
Won the penalty for Fernandes’ equaliser.
Rating 7/10
Bruno Fernandes
Seemed to be having a quiet game until his side’s second-half penalty.
Ice cold and clinical as always.
Rating 6/10
Marcus Rashford
Looked lively and although failing to get on the scoresheet himself, the Englishman did put in a pin-point cross to set Cavani up.
Rating 6/10
Mason Greenwood
Very good showing from United’s teenager.
Made Villa captain Tyrone Mings look like an amateur in the lead up to his crucial second-half goal.
Rating 7/10
Subs:
Edinson Cavani
After coming on just after the hour mark, the South American made a crucial and last-ditch headed clearance with more or less his first touch.
The veteran’s elite level movement was showcased once again as a late header sealed the game and his side’s third of the day.
Rating 7/10
Eric Bailly
Came on late in place of Maguire who picked up an injury. Slotted in well.
Solid.
Rating 6/10
Nemanja Matic
Subbed on with a few minutes to go in place of Fernandes.
Rating N/A
Read more: (Video) Graeme Souness issues rare praise for one key Man United decision
very good performance
Indeed