Manchester United Player Ratings Against St Etienne: Ibrahimovic Steals The Show
Feb 17, 2017 at 3:32 PM
Ibrahimovic’s hat-trick gave Manchester United one foot in the last 16 of the Europa League after a 3-0 win against Saint-Etienne at Old Trafford.
The Swede scored in both halves for the Red Devils as they overcame a difficult challenge against a well-organised and dangerous side on the night.
Here is how Mourinho’s boys faired in the Old Trafford encounter.
Romero – 6
United allowed St Etienne to have 10 shots in the first half but he didn’t have to save any of them. A competent performance from the understudy.
Valencia – 6
Struggled in the first half as he gave the ball away and was caught out of position. Improved after half-time but he’s had far better games this season.
Blind – 5
Could have given a penalty away in the first half when he appeared to trip Jorge Intima. Wonderful ball in to create chance for Pogba in the second half but still gets caught out too much.
Smalling – 6
Played his part in a nervous start for United’s defence, but did make one vital block in the first half.
Bailly – 5
Almost cost United an early goal with an awful back pass but made amends with a fantastic block to stop Romain Hamouma scoring. Overall, not his best game.
Herrera – 6
Got a mouthful from Mourinho in the first half after a few mis-placed passes. Booking in the second half means he will miss the return leg in France next week.
Pogba – 6
Gave the ball away a lot – usually to his brother, strangely – but did have one moment of skill and technique when he turned sharply in midfield and shot just wide. Should have scored when he headed against the bar.
Fellaini – 5
The Belgian started in place of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who was ruled out with illness. It was a slight surprise when he came off at half-time, but only because it was easy to forget he was playing.
Mata – 5
One or two neat touches around the penalty area but struggled to have any real influence on the game. Can have no complaints that he was hooked in the second half.
Martial – 8
Saw one early shot saved and a mazy first half run should have been finish off by Ibrahimovic. Constant threat down the left and United’s best player.
Ibrahimovic – 7
Responsible for the free-kick that led to United’s opener. Should have had another when he toe-poked over from six yards out but didn’t make the same mistake with United’s second or with his late penalty.
Substitutes
Lingard (for Fellaini 45) 6: Covered a lot of ground.
Rashford (for Mata 70) 7: Made Ibrahimovic’s second with a great run.
Young (for Martial 84) 6: Late cameo.
Not used: De Gea, Rojo, Darmian, Schweinsteiger.