It was scrappy and neither team particularly asserted dominance but in the end Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United side ended the night with a crucial win over Wolfsburg in Group B.
United trailed early on after some highly questionable defending, and equally impressive build up play gifted Wolfsburg an early lead.
However United quickly picked up their play and their tempo as Juan Mata won and then converted a penalty with ten minutes to go in the first half.
After a dominant spell of play early in the second half, Mata skilfully flicked the ball over the Wolfsburg defence with an astonishing backheel into the six-yard box where Chris Smalling was there to provide the finish.
David de Gea – 7
The Spanish shot stopper actually had very little to do with the majority of his work simply being cleaning up balls over the top. He could do very little to stop the Wolfsburg goal.
Antonio Valencia – 4
A poor night for the Ecuadorian defensively. He showed his lack of defensive know how as he played Caliguiri onside as he scored Wolfsburg’s opening goal. Valencia did regain some respect as a consistent attacking threat on the right flank. He was substituted at half time.
Chris Smalling- 10
In my opinion, the Maidstone Maldini was the man of the match tonight. The resurgent centre back once again controlled the defence. He consistently pushed the Wolfsburg attack out of his box, he won important challenges around the edge of the box and was dominant in the air. He then went up the other end of the pitch and managed to get on the end of a deft flick from Mata and controlled his finish, keeping it low and putting it into the far corner of the net.
Daley Blind – 6
The Dutch player looked very vulnerable to the direct and constant attacks from Wolfsburg and often let his man get past him far too easily, most noticeably in the build up to Wolfsburg’s opening goal.
Matteo Darmian – 6
The Italian full back was extremely poor in the first half. He lost his man constantly and was arguably at fault for the Wolfsburg goal, he was out of position and far too far up the pitch.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 8
The German midfield maestro showed his dominance tonight. He was a calming influence in the United midfield when Wolfsburg had the United box under siege during the second half. Another strong performance from Basti. He was substituted in the 72nd minute.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 7
A strong defensive performance, winning important possession in the heart of the midfield. Rushes of blood left him often on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle however.
Memphis Depay – 6
He showed some glimpses of quality, but struggled to make a real impact on the match. Did manage to put enough doubt in the Wolfsburg defence’s mind to help his team secure the win.
Juan Mata – 9
What a run of the form this man is in. He won and then converted the penalty with extreme confidence. He then continued to pull the strings for United, often drawing the German team’s defence out of position. Mata produced a moment of sheer magic with a beautiful flick into Smalling for the winner. The Spaniard has now been directly involved in 5 goals in his last 3 appearances – and 45% of all of United’s goals this season. What a player.
Wayne Rooney – 5
A poor night for the United captain. He struggled to get control of possession and seems to be holding his place simply due to his captain’s armband at the minute.
Anthony Martial – 7
What a star this young Frenchman is. He didn’t get the quality of service he probably would have liked tonight, but when he got the ball he shone. While players around him were time after time looking around for a simple pass, he wanted to make thing happen. He drove at the Wolfsburg defence, his pace, skill and movement were a constant headache for the German team. 30-goals a season striker in the making.
Substitutes:
Ashley Young – 7
The Englishman came on at half time as he replaced Antonio Valencia at right back. Young impressed in what is an unfamiliar role for him; He defended well, showing his strength and keeping Caligiuri at bay. Attacking-wise he performed well. His pace and crossing ability mad his overlapping runs difficult for Rodriguez to deal with for Wolfsburg. Provided the spark for Smalling’s winner.
Andreas Pereira – 6
The young Brazilian talent replaced the struggling Memphis after 62 minutes. By this time however United had their backs to the wall and defending for their lives. Pereira did. however, do his defensive duties well and was quick when United regained possession and counter attacked.
Phil Jones – 6
The centre back replaced Schweinsteiger in the 72nd minute. Whilst he didn’t have a lot to do, when he was called into action he looked composed and confident. Good to see him back from injury.
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