Man Utd player ratings: Mason Greenwood impresses as Victor Lindelof flops in Harry Maguire’s absence at Brentford
MANCHESTER UNITED beat Brentford 3-1 in West London and went level on points with Arsenal.
David De Gea was world class while Victor Lindelof struggled in Harry Maguire’s absence.
The teams went in level at half-time with Brentford having missed a hat full of huge chances – many of which were stopped by the excellent David De Gea.
And they were maid to rue them just 10 minutes into the second-half as Anthony Elanga put United 1-0 up with his first Premier League goal ever.
The Red Devils doubled their lead through Mason Greenwood seven minutes later before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to wrap the points up on 77 minutes.
Ivan Toney got a consolation for Thomas Frank’s team with five minutes of normal time left but United held on for three points.
Here’s what SunSport’s Jordan Davies thought of the Reds’ individual performances.
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DAVID DE GEA – 9/10
No exaggeration to say United should have been three of four goals down at half time but for their keeper’s interventions.
One of the few world class players left in the squad.
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Becoming a solid and consistent performer under Ralf Rangnick.
Did not do a lot wrong once again and worked hard to provide width.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 5
Let’s hope Harry Maguire is back in the starting XI, for the sake of United fans.
The Swede was torn apart by Brentford’s menacing counters and struggled to keep up.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Survived a wobble in the first half but at least added a passing range from the back that was otherwise missing.
His form in the next few weeks will be crucial.
ALEX TELLES – 7
Much like Dalot, this is a consistent performer who could convince Rangnick to stick with him after offering a decent attacking threat.
FRED – 7
Produced a lovely cross to tee-up the opener and got forward well, perhaps a bit too much for Rangnick’s liking at times.
Is pretty un-droppable right now.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 7
Drove forward brilliantly on the ball, the only United player to do so efficiently throughout.
Vast improvements in his game are being seen right now.
MASON GREENWOOD – 8
Finally some good news for a young player with so much potential.
He supported well to get a tap-in, but his lacklustre first half display will still be concerning.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
There were still the odd strops off the ball with his team-mates but he got on with it on this occasion and gave Greenwood the chance to get back on the scoresheet after his burst.
ANTHONY ELANGA – 7
Pretty anonymous in the first half but took his one and only chance well to give United an undeserved lead.
One to watch for the future, if not the end to this season.
CRISTIANO RONALDO – 6
Looked un-interested in the first half with lots of arm-flailing without doing much himself.
Then embarrassed himself by moping off the pitch after being subbed.
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MARCUS RASHFORD (replaced Greenwood, 71mins) – 7
Did not have a lot to do but when he got his chance he finished well to show the sparks of yesteryear.
HARRY MAGUIRE (replaced Ronaldo, 71mins) – 6
Came on to shore up the defence with a favourable scoreline but was part of the mess that saw Brentford get one back.
Failed to deal with that cross.
NEMANJA MATIC (replaced McTominay, 85mins – N/A
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