Manchester United were beaten 4-3 at the Allianz Arena by Bayern Munich last night, starting our Champions League campaign off in bitter defeat.
But to be fair, the scoreline did not reflect the way the game panned out. Apart from the opening 20 minutes, the German side were dominant throughout.
They had a few standout players, in particular, Harry Kane, a man who was on the radar of Manchester United over the summer. He showed in one game that United severely missed out on his signature. There really aren’t many like him.
We could have done with the English talisman…. and about eight other players last night. Erik ten Hag‘s side were not on top form, as the player ratings suggest.
READ: Manchester United Champions League 23/24: Fixtures, Group and More
Manchester United player ratings vs Bayern
Andy Mitten, Manchester United writer, took to The National News following the defeat to Bayern to give his thoughts on players’ individualistic performances. These are as follows.
Andre Onana, 5 – ‘Advanced as he struck long balls into wide attacking positions, but made a terrible mistake to let Bayern ahead on 28. That was soon 2-0 as United’s bright start was blown apart. Couldn’t stop Kane’s penalty, but saved well from him on 61 and Sane two minutes later. Further saves from Coman and Choupo-Moting, but the damage was done.’
Diogo Dalot, 6 – ‘Started well, attacking through the middle, but then couldn’t stop Musiala’s run to set up the second. Tackled Choupo-Moting to stop him shooting on 79.’
Victor Lindelof, 5 – ‘A tough night for the central defender against Kane in front of the 75,000 crowd. United keep losing games because of lapses.’
Lisandro Martinez, 6 – ‘Saved United after 21 minutes in one of the rare times Bayern had success attacking through the middle early in the game, but then reverted to the poor form of this season so far. Booked.’
Sergio Reguilon, 7 – ‘Easily United’s best player as he linked up well with Rashford in United’s encouraging start. He also crossed and tackled well, running across the pitch to stop Sane. Powerful when attacking.’
Casemiro, 5 – ‘Scored two late goals, yet easily beaten by the superb Musiala in the lead to Bayern’s second. Shook his head after 74 minutes – as well he might. He’s suffered an alarming drop in form since last season.’
Christian Eriksen, 5 – ‘Lost the ball in the middle which led to an attack and a corner. He handled the ball and the penalty meant Bayern’s third. It was a harsh decision against the Dane, who could do nothing to stop the ball hitting his arm.’
Facundo Pellistri, 5 – ‘A huge decision to start the Uruguayan for only the second time. Ran towards the far post but couldn’t meet a 34th-minute cross. Up against Davies, who was a major threat. Faded.’
Bruno Fernandes, 5 – ‘Determined start, yet lost the ball in key positions. Dropped back when McTominay replaced Eriksen. Spun the ball towards goal which Casemiro headed in for the third.’
Marcus Rashford, 6 – ‘On it from the start and had the beating of full-back Laimer, though he seldom beat him. Helped keep United narrow and was always available out wide. Set Hojlund up for United’s first, but still hit and miss in a side that is the same.’
Rasmus Hojlund, 6 – The new striker worked hard and was rewarded with his first United goal straight after half time, a low shot deflected in. Brought off soon after.
Scott McTominay, 6 – ‘(Eriksen 68′) Went straight up in a No 10 position.’
Alejandro Garnacho, N/A – ‘(Pellistri 80′) United got two late goals with him on the pitch.’
Anthony Martial, N/A – ‘(Hojlund 80′). Worked well’
A few in particular were very bad
Apart from potentially Sergio Reguilon, no United players should leave with their heads held high after yesterday.
Andre Onana made a ‘terrible mistake’ which set the night up for failure. That really was the turning point of the game and gave Bayern the confidence to really go at United.
Mitten was right – Casemiro‘s form is ‘alarming’. He was run ragged by the 20-year-old Jamal Musiala.
Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof also suffer from a 5/10 rating. They also need to step up their game.
It’s looking like it’s going to be a long season for United. We drastically hope the ratings, but more importantly, the season take a turn for the better – and fast.
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