Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona took on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night in a thrilling encounter to put to bed the tie that began at home last week. Coming into the game off a 2-2 draw, there was everything to play for in England.

The Catalans quickly jumped into the lead through a Robert Lewandowski penalty and largely dominated the first period. However, they were undone just a minute into the second period as Fred equalised for Manchester United.

Anthony then gave the Red Devils a lead and put the visitors on the backfoot. The 2-1 loss (4-3 on aggregate) signals the end of the Blaugrana march in Europe.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings for Xavi’s side after the game in Manchester.

Marc Andre Ter Stegen: 6

The German was forced into an early save on the night by Bruno Fernandes and made another save from inside the box in the opening half. Was beaten twice in the second half but could not do much about either goals.

Jules Kounde: 6.5

Started at right-back and did well to keep Marcus Rashford out of the game for 45 minutes. Surprisingly had a big role going forward in the attack to create spaces for the heavily marked Raphinha. Had a sensational chance at the hour mark but was denied by David de Gea.

Ronald Araujo: 7

Held his own in the Barcelona area to calmly navigate through United’s attacks. Further, he was constantly involved in the team’s buildup and was good in his distribution.

Looked shaky in the first moments of the second half and was poorly positioned for the equaliser. Recorded nine defensive actions on the night before coming off for Marcos Alonso.

Andreas Christensen: 6.5

Started the game after sitting out most of the first leg. Kept his cool under pressure and did not falter under United’s pressing.

Began to show nerves after the break with a poor clearance to set Rashford off. Recovered well but was once again poorly placed for United’s second goal.

Alejandro Balde: 7

The MVP of the first half by some distance. Balde’s pace and understanding of space was instrumental in so many of the team’s attacks down the left. He won the penalty that gave Barcelona a 3-2 lead in the tie with some smart movement.

Not up to the mark defensively, however, as he struggled to cover ground on both of United’s goals.

Franck Kessie: 6.5

With Pedri absent, Kessie stepped up and took the role of creator. The Ivory Coast international had a very different approach to the task compared to his young teammate, yet, his disruptive runs and smart decisions caused Manchester United problems in the box.

Fizzled out in the second period, yet was one of the better players on the field.

Sergio Busquets: 6.5

Started his first game since returning from injury and was perfect with his nonchalant touches to dictate the play and keep the ball in the first half. However, the captain lost his pace in the second period and struggled to keep up with the opposition’s counter.

Frenkie de Jong: 7.5

The Dutchman started against the side that so desperately craved for his signature in the summer and churned out a doozy of a first half. De Jong’s touches and runs seemed effortlessly flawless as he completed three dribbles in just the opening period. Needless to mention, the Dutchman was everywhere to win back the ball when out of possession.

Sergi Roberto: 7

Starting in place of the missing Gavi on the left wing, Roberto gave a solid first half that included three key passes. Much like Gavi, he constantly drifted centrally into spaces to create sequences of buildup.

Came off in the 70th minute for Ferran Torres.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.5

Much better first half from Lewandowski who constantly appeared between the lines to create threats. Scored Barcelona’s opener on the night by converting the penalty Balde won.

Inconspicuous in the early part of the period after the break with very little involvement. Overall, subpar in the second half. Had a big chance saved in the 93rd minute.

Raphinha: 5

Relatively silent first half for the Brazilian and appeared to be heavily marked by United’s defence. Did not cut in to involve as much as he would have liked to.

Better in the second period but made some questionable decisions. Gave the ball away for United’s second goal and came off for Ansu Fati in the 77th minute.

SUBSTITUTES

Ferran Torres: 7

Was lively down the right flank after replacing Raphinha, and made some inspiring dribbles and deliveries.

Ansu Fati: NA

Barely visible after coming on.

Marcos Alonso: NA

Late sub for Araujo.