Man Utd player ratings vs Astana: Tahith Chong poor; hope for Jesse Lingard

A young United lineup fell to a 2-1 defeat
Manchester United via Getty Imag
Tom Doyle28 November 2019

A young Manchester United side were taught a harsh lesson in the Europa League as they surrendered a first-half lead to lose 2-1 to Astana on Thursday afternoon.

Here is a closer look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side got on in Kazakhstan...

13) Lee Grant | 5/10​

The veteran of the team at 36, this was the third-choice goalkeeper's first start for United.

REUTERS

Little to do in the first half beyond routine saves, but handled everything decently, commanded his box and organised a young back line efficiently.

Could do nothing about Astana's equaliser, or Bernard's own goal.

41) Ethan Laird | 7/10​

REUTERS

One of three United debutants, the 18-year-old lined up on the right side of defence. Battled competently for space down the flank, with Astana soon focusing attacks on the other wing.

Finally beaten on Astana's attack for the equaliser. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the undoubted first choice at right-back, but with Diogo Dalot's injury problems, tonight's performance didn't harm Laird's chances of featuring more often.

58) Di'Shon Bernard​ | 5/10

Manchester United via Getty Imag

Another player making his first senior start. The 19-year-old held the line well with Axel Tuanzebe and got to a couple of crosses to avert the danger.

Nearly scored an own goal early in the second half... and then made sure he did as a cross cannoned off his chest past Lee Grant to make it 2-1.

38) Axel Tuanzebe | 6/10​

REUTERS

The 21-year-old was pushing Victor Lindelof for a starting role alongside Harry Maguire before an unfortunate injury during the warm-up against Liverpool.

Not afraid to show for the ball, or play out from the back and look for a pass through to Greenwood - but not exactly the sort of performance after the break which suggests he is ready to start at the weekend.

23) Luke Shaw | 6/10​

Manchester United via Getty Imag

Under pressure after a long injury layoff, during which Brandon Williams has become first-choice left-back.

Looked to get forward early and teed up Jesse Lingard for the first goal. However, he lost his man at the back post as Astana missed a fine chance after 22 minutes, and showed ring-rust with a sloppy pass or two.

Deserved another assist with a good run only for Tahith Chong to miss an open goal, but then lost his man again as Astana scored their second. Impressive offensively, but worrying defensively.

37) James Garner | 7/10​

REUTERS

With Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba out, the 18-year-old had a chance to stake a claim for more starts.

Likened to Michael Carrick (no pressure there), Garner proved neat and tidy in the middle with an eye for a pass to split the lines - and had enough nous to pick up free-kicks and make a defensive contribution. A promising performance, and went off with six minutes left.

63) Dylan Levitt | 6/10​

REUTERS

The third of United's debutants, he had a quiet start alongside Garner in the middle. Similarly tidy, and looked to pinch possession when he could.

Unlucky to be booked for a coming-together after the break.

44) Tahith Chong | 4/10

Manchester United via Getty Imag

The 19-year-old is yet to sign a contract extension beyond next summer and has been linked with a move away due to a lack of chances.

Stationed out on the right, he looked to cut in and have a say through the middle - but as on previous occasions this season, he seemed to be trying too hard to take his first-team chance.

Missed an open goal from six yards out nine minutes into the second half, and Astana immediately equalised. Soon taken off, and did little to improve his negotiating position.

14) Jesse Lingard | 7/10

REUTERS

An odd night for the 26-year-old, given that he captained his boyhood club, but only by virtue of having fallen out of favour with Solskjaer.

Got off to the perfect start with a fine drive from distance to open the scoring - his first goal in 307 days. Lingard seemed to revel in the responsibility, and Solskjaer will hope this is a turning point.

Lucky to avoid a serious injury following a horror challenge from Sigurjonsson, though booked late on for a naught tackle.

28) Angel Gomes | 6/10​

AFP via Getty Images

Space opened up early, but he elected to shoot rather than pass to well-placed team-mates. Looked lively, but shots and flicks around the box didn't come off in the first 30 minutes.

Forced the Astana goalkeeper into a good save with a fine free-kick with 15 minutes left, and a fine cross for Greenwood's volley soon drew another top stop - but not quite the United man's night.

26) Mason Greenwood​ | 6/10

REUTERS

Following his poacher's finish at Sheffield United, the 18-year-old was afforded another Europa start.

Tested the keeper with an early drive, but was quiet after that considering the impact he has made in this competition so far - though he was starved of quality service until a volley off Gomes' cross was well saved late on.

Substitutes

49) D'Mani Bughail-Mellor | 6/10

Introduced for the disappointing Chong with 25 minutes to go, but struggled to have an impact on proceedings.

59) Largie Ramazani | N/A

One with six minutes to go - no impact.

54) Ethan Galbraith​ | N/A

Came on for the closing moments - no impact.

Not used

51) Matej Kovar

47) Arnau Puigmal

52) Max Taylor

71) Teden Meng

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