MANCHESTER UNITED will go into the Europa League final on the back of a disappointing defeat to Chelsea.
The Red Devils travel to Bilbao next week to take on fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham in the final of Europe‘s secondary club competition.
But fans looking forward to the match were brought back down to Earth courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to Enzo Maresca’s troops.
A 71st-minute strike from Marc Cucurella condemned United to their EIGHTEENTH league defeat of the season.
And SunSport’s Dan King is on hand to rate and slate Ruben Amorim’s troops’ respective displays at the Bridge.
Andre Onana – 6/10
Restored to the team after being rested against West Ham, he displeased his manager with some of his kicking and clearance choices.
Barely had a save to make until he kept out Cole Palmer’s effort late in the first half. Had a penalty awarded against him rightly overturned by VAR.
Victor Lindelof – 5
Mostly did what it said on the tin, steady as he goes. Looked pretty comfortable in the first half, with help from Mazraoui and even Amad to help him keep Noni Madueke quiet after an early scare.
Was having a straightforward second half, too, until undone by Reece James’ brilliant cross for the goal. Booked for a late foul on Cucurella.
Harry Maguire – 7
Solid from the start and United’s best player overall. Took a forearm to the head from Tyrique George but picked himself up and thought he had given United the lead, only to be ruled offside.
Calm and strong at the heart of a United defence that was not overly troubled by Chelsea for so long.
Luke Shaw – 6
Dorgu’s forays forward meant he didn’t know whether to stick or twist at times when he found himself outnumbered.
But handled himself well and also played some decent balls out of defence when appropriate. Did nothing spectacularly wrong or right all night, which summed up United’s overall display.
Noussair Mazraoui – 4
Made a shaky start, letting Madueke get the wrong side of him, only for the Chelsea winger to miss the target horribly.
Unconvincing again after the break, picking up a booking and then losing Cucurella for the goal. Madueke should have made it two after running between the Moroccan and Lindelof.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Seemed to be taking control of the game, especially when Maguire turned in his lovely cross for what seemed to be the opening goal.
All-action first-half display, but that also meant him being booked for a follow-through on Moises Caicedo.
Failed to hit the target with a second half shot and did not exert the same influence before going off late on.
Casemiro – 6
Sometimes you forgot he was on the pitch, but he did some quietly effective work to give Fernandes and his team a platform in the game.
Made a very important first-half intervention in his own box but picked up a booking early in the second after being outpaced by Palmer. Put in a decent shift.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
Started high and wide, and looked more convincing going forward, teeing up a decent opening for Mount.
Skinned by Pedro Neto a couple of times but did make some important challenges, too. Less adventurous in the second half as Amad stepped up the threat on the opposite flank.
Not at fault for the goal.
Amad Diallo – 6
Sharp at the start but soon disappeared completely as an attacking force in the first half.
Redeemed himself a bit by doing some decent work in his own final third.
Much better going forward after the break, setting up a good chance for Mount. Booked for diving in the box, then forced a save from Robert Sanchez.
Mason Mount – 4
How much he would have loved to silence the Chelsea boo-boys who jeered his every touch and mocked him all night.
How comprehensively he failed to do so.
Badly miscued shots in either half when given decent chances by Dorgu and Amad. Hooked with 20 minutes to go to the loudest chorus of boos.
Rasmus Hojlund – 2
If he wasn’t such a unit, you would call him a little boy lost. But all that strength seems to disappear when the ball comes near the struggling Dane.
Got absolutely no change out of the Chelsea defence and often gave away possession.
Even with Josh Zirkzee injured, there must be a better option for the final.
SUBS
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 70) – 4
Made little impression on the game despite having 20 minutes to show what he could do. Late Chelsea sub Romeo Lavia made life difficult for him.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Mount, 70) – 4
It might feel harsh but it was the Argentinian who allowed James to wriggle away from him and then deliver the killer ball for Cucurella.
Dropped very deep to try to redeem himself, but to no avail.
Ayden Heaven (for Shaw, 81) – 3
Lucky to escape a booking for a foul on Palmer and then to be shown only a yellow for a nasty lunge on Malo Gusto.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Fernandes, 81) – 4
Looked off the pace. What has happened to England’s great defensive midfield hope?
Not used
Bayindir, Eriksen, Amass, Collyer, Fredricson
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