Player ratings: Sancho magnificent, Martial fails to justify inclusion

Manchester United and their caretaker boss Michael Carrick sealed qualification for the Champions League knockouts with victory in Spain.

In their first game since the sacking of popular manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United booked their spot in the last 16 with a game to spare through Cristiano Ronaldo and a first United goal for 73m signing Jadon Sancho.

Carrick’s at the wheel…

Here is how we rated each United player:

David de Gea – 7

Things could have been very different if not for the intervention of United’s in-form stopper. Made two stunning one-handed stops from Trigueros at 0-0 and did his job well.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6

Can take confidence and heart from a much improved performance at right-back after his form deserted him in the last few weeks of Solskjaer’s tenure. Solid if unspectacular

Harry Maguire – 7

Wasn’t overly tested but helped skipper United to only their third shutout of the season. A much needed confidence booster for the captain, suspended for the weekend trip to Chelsea. Much better.

Victor Lindelof – 7

Excellent from the Iceman. His head seemed drawn to the ball like a magnet at times as United came under pressure – if not quite a siege – from crosses in the second half. Stood strong, played out and could even be seen pressing.

Alex Telles – 6

Caught out a few times but tried to get forward and whipped in some dangerous crosses. Didn’t have much to do but deputised well in lieu of Luke Shaw.

Fred – 7

Got through a lot of work as usual and was involved in both goals thanks to his industry and press. Tenacious and seemed to control the game more than normal.

Scott McTominay – 6

Nothing special but after his Hertfordshire disaster-class McTominay was solid and secure. His passing was a bit off at times but he tried to drive forward and did so effectively.

Jadon Sancho – 9

Magnificent even before his first goal in Red. United’s most dangerous player in the first half, troubling Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan with his pace and trickery. Ex Spurs man Juan Foyth fared no better when Sancho switched to the left. Scored superbly having missed an earlier chance.

Donny van de Beek – 6

Some good moments and tried to press having been deservedly picked ahead of Bruno Fernandes. Drifted in and out of the game but his influence faded.

Anthony Martial – 4

A surprise selection on the left and he failed to justify his inclusion with a disappointing performance. Frustrated and isolated, his substitution on the hour was no surprise.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 8

Disciplined and helped out defensively when needed, but United’s talisman stepped up again with yet another Champions League goal. Continued his run of netting in every game so far with a brilliant lobbed finish.

Subs

Bruno Fernandes – for Van de Beek 62 mins – 7

United’s attacking impetus notably increased when he came on and he injected some fizz and purpose when he came on. Set up Sancho to seal it.

Marcus Rashford – for Martial 62 – 6

Offered far more in the time he had than Martial did in an hour. Bright and breezy, he helped to turn the game in our favour.

Nemanja Matic – for Ronaldo 90 – N/A

No rating – Juan Mata – for Sancho 90 – N/A