Manchester United will be thoroughly disappointed to have lost this game against supposedly inferior opposition, but they do return to Carrington and Old Trafford with a crucial away goal.
The game was, at least on United’s part, overshadowed by the injury to David de Gea in the pre-match warm-up, and the Red Devils never managed to get out of second gear, leaving themselves vulnerable at the back and without real bite and aggression in attack.
In what could best be described as a nervy game, which was controlled for the most part by the Danish champions, United should have done more, with some players performing much better than others.
Here are our player ratings…
Sergio Romero - 9
Brought in to start the game just 10 minutes before kickoff, Romero will be more than happy with the account he gave of himself, pulling off two absolutely stunning saves, one of which could go down as the save of the season. David de Gea who?
Donald Love - 5
Not the best of defensive performances from the young Scotsman – his endeavour was fantastic though, looking to get forward as quickly and effectively as possible on almost every attack.
Chris Smalling - 3
Not been his usual self of late and was rather poor in marking his man properly. Provided a good threat in the opposition box but you’d prefer your first choice centre-back to contribute more to clean sheets than attacking moves.
Paddy McNair - 4
Really didn’t do anything of note defensively on his European debut – perhaps the lack of recent game time was to blame but we know he’s much better than his showing.
Daley Blind - 4
Favoured over young Borthwick-Jackson at left-back, Blind was the best of the back four but hardly set the world alight. Didn’t get to attack as effectively as he would have liked.
Michael Carrick - 2
Absolutely dismal from the now-veteran midfielder, who has failed to impress one too many times this season. Gave the ball away to aid in Midtjylland’s first goal and failed to motivate the team as stand-in captain.
Ander Herrera - 4
A bit flat going forward and not commited enough at the other end, Ander can be thoroughly disappointed. Blasted a couple of shots high and wide when other options were available.
Jesse Lingard - 6
Average is probably the word to describe this performance. Hit the crossbar and provided a good ball in prior to Memphis’ goal but that won’t mask the fact that he really wasn’t at his best in this game.
Juan Mata - 2
Was he playing? It’s no surprise that United were poor in attack when their main creative spark and easily the most talented player on the pitch went missing.
Memphis Depay - 6
United’s best hope of a goal came with Memphis – and he provided, managing a nice controlled finish whilst falling and almost lying-down anyway at the same time. It’s hard to explain.
Constantly looked for one-twos with his teammates and tried on several occasions to part the opposition centre-backs. Better from the Dutchman.
Anthony Martial - 5
5/10 might seem harsh but the Frenchman has set such high standards with his performances this season that anything short of a brilliant game seems really disappointing. Should have done better against a defence who haven’t played competitively since December and shipped nine goals in two games against Napoli in the group stages.