Karaiskakis Stadium, Athens : David Moyes led his men out with the hope that their dismal league form and cup failures would not affect the one competition where they haven’t faced any setbacks as such. However, Moyes and his boys were left red-faced when 2 strikes before the hour mark put the tie to rest. Though all is not yet lost, turning a 2-0 deficit even at the much-famed Old Trafford is no easy job.
Olympiacos {4-2-3-1} :-
Roberto – 7
The Spanish keeper had a decent night out. Barring a few selected attacks from the English Champions, the shot-stopper had a decent night.
Leandro Salino – 7
The full-back from Brazil had a quiet evening. Known in the Greek league for his attacking runs down the flank, he kept a check on Ashley Young throughout the game and supported attacks every now and then
Kostas Manolas – 7
Greek defender Manolas kept the defence organised and defended very well against the twin-threat of Wayne Rooney and Van Persie.
Ivan Maracano – 6
The central defender was very composed and co-ordinated well with his partner Manolas. Steady performance.
Jose Holebas – 6
Full-back Holebas ought to be credited to deal with the pace of Antonio Valencia and ably supported attackers Campbell and Perez.
Giannis Maniatis – 7
Captain Maniatis put in quite a shift to shut down Wayne Rooney and the Tom Cleverly as they tried to assert control over the midfield.
Delvin N’Dinga – 7
The Congolese defensive midfielder racked up the miles as his work-rate during the clash left behind many established internationals.
Joel Campbell – 8
The Arsenal loanee whipped a curling effort beyond the reach of De Gea as he doubled the Greeks advantage.
Alvaro Dominguez – 8
The Argentine Playmaker cleverly deflected his team-mates shot into the back of the net for the opener.
Hernan Perez – 7
Paraguayan attacker Perez was a constant thorn in Chris Smalling’s game as he was a danger every time, the Greek side attacked.
Michael Olaitan – 8
Nigerian forward Olaitan impressed all the viewers with his work rate as he harassed United’s back-4 all game.
Manchester United {4-4-2} :-
David De Gea – 6
United’s Spanish shot-stopper cannot be blamed for either goals. Wrong footed for the first and blinded for the second as Campbell wrapped his shot around Ferdinand.
Chris Smalling – 4
Filling in as right-back for the match, Smalling had an evening to forget. He better hope not to repeat such performances if he has to make the squad for Brazil.
Rio Ferdinand – 5
United stalwart Ferdinand had a European night he certainly will want to forget. The absence of star man Mitroglou in Olympiacos didn’t seem to make much of a difference to the Greek side.
Nemanja Vidic – 6
The soon-to-be-leaving Serbian looked out of place and surprised by the work-rate of the Greek attackers.
Patrice Evra – 5
French left-back Evra has come under criticism for not tracking Campbell for the second goal and rightly so. A left-back is high priority in the summer.
Antonio Valencia – 6
The speedy winger did very little to impose himself on the inexperienced Greek defence.
Michael Carrick – 5
England international Michael Carrick will hope Roy Hodgson missed this game as he looked out-of-depth and out-of-ideas in the middle of the park.
Tom Cleverley – 5
Still having to prove himself in a United shirt, this wasn’t a day he gave sceptical fans a telling performance. Looked lost in midfield.
Ashley Young – 6
Winger Ashley Young couldn’t do petty little as the Greeks made United look devoid of confidence and ideas.
Wayne Rooney – 7
Like many others games this season, he has been United’s bright spot. On the back of his new bumper deal, Rooney looked inspired and motivated compared to the rest of his team.
Robin Van Persie – 6
The Dutchman cut a frustrated figure as he even lashed out at his team-mates after the loss.