Altay Bayindir had a quiet evening between the posts, with little action coming his way. However, he remained composed when needed, ensuring a steady presence at the back. Lisandro Martínez showcased his usual aggressive defending and leadership, keeping things tight while distributing the ball effectively. Matthijs de Ligt complemented him well, winning key duels and maintaining the defensive structure. Noussair Mazraoui put in a decent shift on the right, though his attacking contributions were limited. Tyrell Malacia, on the other hand, endured a tough night, struggling defensively and failing to offer much going forward.
Diogo Dalot had one of the standout performances, capping off a lively display with a well-taken goal. Toby Collyer did his part in midfield but lacked the control needed to dominate the game. Bruno Fernandes was instrumental in attack, dictating play and driving the team forward with a captain’s display. Christian Eriksen brought his usual composure and vision, linking up effectively with teammates. The real star of the night was Kobbie Mainoo, who delivered a masterclass in midfield. Not only did he score and provide an assist, but his overall control of the game was outstanding, making him the standout performer.
Rasmus Højlund struggled to make an impact, finding it difficult to get involved in the game. From the bench, Alejandro Garnacho provided an instant spark, assisting a goal and injecting energy into the attack. Amad also looked lively, creating chances after coming on. Leny Yoro had a composed outing in defense, though he wasn’t tested much. Casemiro added experience in midfield to help see out the game, while Joshua Zirkzee found it difficult to make a meaningful contribution.
Overall, it was a solid display from United, with Mainoo and Fernandes leading the charge. Garnacho’s introduction added a much-needed boost, while Dalot’s goal was a highlight. However, Malacia’s struggles and Højlund’s quiet night raise questions about their consistency. With United still exploring options in the market, could reinforcements be needed in these areas? Bayindir had a stable outing, but is he the right backup for Onana? There were positives to take, but also some concerns that need addressing moving forward.
