Manchester United ended their Champions League Group F campaign with a 1-1 draw against Young Boys at Old Trafford.
Ralf Rangnick made 11 changes to the starting line-up that beat Crystal Palace on Sunday and used the clash against the Swiss champions as an opportunity to rotate his squad and blood youngsters into the side.
Here are Manchester United’s three best players against David Wagner’s side…
Dean Henderson
The England international wouldn’t have been happy with Donny van de Beek’s role in the Young Boys equaliser. The form that Henderson was in, it looked like it was going to take something special to beat the club’s academy graduate.
Fabian Rieder did exactly that with an unstoppable curling effort into the top corner on the stroke of half-time.
It was a commanding performance by the 24-year-old, which highlighted the need for him to be playing regular first team football.
His handling was spot on and he was quick off his line whenever called upon. He didn’t finish the 90 minutes on his second appearance of the season, as Rangnick handed Tom Heaton his Manchester United debut midway through the second half.
Tonight’s outing could potentially be the last time Manchester United fans see Henderson playing for their club this season, with a six-month or 18-month loan likely to be discussed in the new year.
Eric Bailly
Manchester United’s number three was at his dominant best against the Swiss side and his performance would have been a real plus from the night for Rangnick.
It was the type of performance which prompts calls for the Ivorian to be given more chances. Maybe under the stewardship of the German, Bailly’s fortunes will differ to what he experienced towards the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure.
Although Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof look the first choice partnership with Raphael Varane working his way back to fitness, Bailly will be hoping for more chances to stake his claim during the hectic festive period.
No player on the pitch made more clearances than the former Villarreal man (6) and it was a perfect blend of composure, aggression and calmness from Bailly.
Mason Greenwood
With ‘Mr Champions League’, Cristiano Ronaldo, given the night off, Greenwood was given the opportunity to lead the line, as he did at the start of the season.
It was an impressive and mature performance by United’s 20-year-old, who looked a level above the rest of the players on the pitch.
It was a clinical finish by United’s number 11, who once again showcased his ability to score all types of goals.
With United’s attentions switching to the Premier League up until the new year, Greenwood will be targeting a place in Rangnick’s first 11.
- One Man Utd youngster has just cemented himself in Michael Carrick’s first-team plans for next season
- Four biggest winners from Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat against Wrexham
- Andrey Santos was doing something so impressive vs Wrexham that Benjamin Sesko will love
- Michael Carrick has a player destined for stardom at Man Utd, 17th minute vs Wrexham proved it
- Radek Vitek’s display has Man Utd fans now in full agreement after 1-0 defeat against Wrexham
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
