United's youngest-ever side in a European match pegged back in Kazakhstan as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side suffer first Europa League defeat of the season
Friday 29 November 2019 06:23, UK
A youthful Manchester United slipped to their first Europa League defeat of the season as a second-half comeback saw Astana claim a 2-1 victory – but how did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side perform in Kazakhstan?
Will not have been happy to concede twice on his long-awaited full United debut, but deflections of varying degrees of severity ensured the 36-year-old was not at fault for either of the Astana goals.
Displayed an assured ability to read the game defensively while providing width and support to the United attack throughout.
Brought a calming influence to the United defence with debutants either side of him, using his pace and experience to quench Astana's early onslaught.
Marshalled the back-line well at the heart of the United defence but the most unfortunate of own goals marred what would have been an accomplished debut.
Looked short of match sharpness on his first appearance since August, was caught out of position on a number of occasions and would have been punished against greater opposition.
Kept things ticking over nicely in midfield and was not afraid of taking on risky passes in a bid to initiate attacks, although his influence diminished as fatigue set in.
Drew upon his previous exposure in the first team to set the tone in United's midfield and was always a willing receiver of the ball on the turn.
An ineffective performance that will be remembered for his inexcusable miss that opened the door to the Astana comeback.
Man of the match - relished having the captain's armband on for the first time, led by example from the first whistle and fought tirelessly for an equaliser to go with his opening goal.
A livewire throughout who kept the Astana defence honest and would have had a goal had he been presented with the chances his team-mates spurned.
Would have hauled United level with a stunning late free-kick had it not been for the Astana goalkeeper, but lacked the clinical edge to stamp his authority on the game.
D'Mani Bughail-Mellor (5), Largie Ramazani (n/a), Ethan Galbraith (n/a).
