Manchester United fell to a disappointing defeat in their Champions League opener last night, as Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven triumphed 2-1.
The game was marred by the broken leg suffered by Luke Shaw in the early stages, but United took the lead through a brilliant individual goal by Memphis Depay, scoring on his return to Eindhoven.
However, PSV equalised in first-half stoppage time, with Mexican defender Hector Moreno heading home from a corner via a small deflection off Daley Blind’s head. PSV then went on to score the winner early on in the second half, as Luciano Narsingh’s diving header gave David de Gea no chance in the Reds goal.
United pressed on for an equaliser, but they could not find a way past the PSV defence. It was a deserved victory for the Dutch champions, although the Reds were playing quite well before Shaw’s unfortunate leg break.
Here’s how I think the players’ did last night:
GK – de Gea (7)
Had little to do in the United goal and was a bystander for most of the game. The Spanish international’s distribution was mostly solid and he claimed the ball confidently when needed. Could do little about both of PSV’s goals.
RB – Darmian (5)
The Italian international had his worst night in a United shirt so far, as he was out headed by Moreno for the first goal and needlessly gave away the ball for Maxime Lestienne to create the second. Went forward well but endured a torrid night against Lestienne, who beat him time and time again.
CB – Smalling (7)
United’s stand-in captain was the best of the defenders tonight, and he lead the Reds with distinction, passing the ball out well from the back, covering ground solidly and also had a wonderful chance to put United two up after a stupendous run, but his shot was well saved. Another great performance from the Maidstone Maldini, but he was let down by the rest of the back four.
CB – Blind (6)
The Dutch international looked bright in the first half and switched to left-back after Shaw’s injury, providing a wonderful through ball that led to Memphis’ goal, but his performance tailed off in the second half, as he struggled to make an impact. Blind’s passing was sloppy as the PSV fans jeered him for his Ajax affiliations throughout the night.
LB – Shaw (7)
It looked to be another great night for the left-back, but Shaw’s Champions League debut was brought to a shuddering halt by Moreno’s reckless challenge. A double leg fracture may bring his season to an end, and his injury clearly affected United’s focus and changed the mood of the game.
CM – Schweinsteiger (7)
Another fine performance from the German maestro, who combined well with Ander Herrera in defensive midfield. He delivered a wonderful ball that Juan Mata should have put into the back of the net, and protected the back four well throughout the night.
CM – Herrera (6)
The Spaniard looked slightly subdued in defensive midfield, and he failed to get attacks going from a deeper starting position as the PSV midfield gained a foothold in the game.
RW – Young (6)
It was a typical workmanlike performance from Young, who struggled down the right in the first half. However, he was better when he switched to the left in the second half, getting the better of PSV right-back Santiago Arias on most occasions. His end product has to be improved, as most of his crosses failed to hit the target.
CAM – Mata (5)
Fantastic for the first fifteen minutes of the game, it seemed that the Spaniard relished playing with the front three at his disposal. However, his performance tailed off dramatically for the rest of the game, exemplified when he received a majestic ball from Schweinsteiger, only to meet it with an abysmal first touch. Tonight was his chance to stake a claim for playing in the number ten role, and he failed the test.
LW – Memphis (7)
Had a great return to the Philips Stadion, as he scored a superb goal, slaloming past two PSV defenders before slotting the ball underneath the legs of Jeroen Zoet into the back of the net. Had a chance to score a second after a United counter, but put his shot just wide of the far post. A bit subdued in the second half as PSV placed a wall in the penalty area but linked up well with Anthony Martial up front.
ST – Martial (7)
After his heroics against Liverpool, Martial had a subdued night in front of goal in Eindhoven, but the signs are there that he could become a fine striker for the Reds. The young Frenchman’s first touch, movement and endeavour was all on display as he always looked to stretch the defence and make runs behind when the service was there. His link up play with Memphis was good, and he has all the makings of a top striker.
Substitutes:
Rojo (6)
Came on for Shaw after his devastating injury and defended solidly throughout the game, but his distribution was a bit off and lost the ball a number of times.
Fellaini/Valencia (5)
Both came on in the latter stages of the games as United chased an equaliser, but both were extremely ineffective as PSV put a wall in front of their goal. Fellaini displayed a couple of good touches.
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