There were moments of brilliance from Manchester United’s youngsters in a scrappy win against Astana in the Europa League.
Mason Greenwood’s first competitive senior goal for United at the age of 17 ensured United got this European campaign off to a winning start.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shuffling his pack and giving much needed game time to some of his senior players as well as some of the clubs academy prospects, the game lacked tempo.
There were positives to take away from the opening game in Group L, and it was the players that were given their first start of the season that seized the opportunity. Here are some of the players that impressed…
Angel Gomes
United fans have been desperate to see Gomes given his opportunity and he was certainly at the heart of Solskjaer’s side best creative moments while he was on the pitch.
The Red Devils’ number 28 was picking the ball up in the small pocket of spaces and was always eager to take possession in any situation. There were a couple of neat one twos on the edge of the box, which highlighted the vision Gomes possesses.
In the early stages of the second half, Gomes produced a phenomenal Cruyff turn to lose the Astana defenders, he then threaded a pass to Rojo who’s cross was agonisingly out of reach for the sliding Greenwood and Chong.
Gomes was replaced by Juan Mata in the 67th minute but his performance should warrant further opportunities to impress in the coming weeks.
Fred
The Brazilian followed up his impressive cameo against Leicester with a solid first start of the season.
He signalled his intent in the opening minutes with a long-range effort, which cannoned off the crossbar.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk star was always forward thinking in possession and injected a much needed zip and tempo into the passing.
Fred pressed the Astana players at every opportunity and got the assist for Greenwood’s goal.
Could Solskjaer give him his first Premier League start against West Ham United on Sunday?
Axel Tuanzebe
United’s talented centre back looked nervy in the opening stages when in possession but he grew into the game and produced a commanding display.
Tuanzebe’s performance all but assured that he is Solskjaer’s third choice centre back and he towered above the Astana strikers every time the ball was in the air.
There were moments in the game where he showcased his tremendous pace and there were times where he showed his willingness to drive forward in possession and join United’s attack.
Tuanzebe will be targeting another start next week against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup.
Mason Greenwood
He is off the mark!!! When United needed inspiration and a match winner it was Greenwood’s composure that earned Solskjaer’s side the three points, hopefully this is a recurring theme for many years to come.
Greenwood had a couple of other efforts during the game, but it was his ability to leave the Astana defender flat-footed with a feint and then show his two footed strength by slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.
The youngsters confidence will be sky high and the pressure of getting off the mark for his beloved club will be a big weight lifted.
Greenwood will probably be back on the bench against West Ham, but he is certainly knocking on the door to be given a chance as United’s number nine.
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