AS Roma 3-2 Manchester United: 5 talking points as Red Devils progress to the final | UEFA Europa League 2020-21 

AS Roma defeated Manchester United 3-2 in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final fixture on Thursday
AS Roma defeated Manchester United 3-2 in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final fixture on Thursday

#3 Did Donny van de Beek take his opportunity?

Donny van de Beek made a rare start for Manchester United
Donny van de Beek made a rare start for Manchester United

Things have not gone well for Donny van de Beek since joining Manchester United, and the Netherlands international has looked a shadow of the player who bossed the midfield for Ajax.

His performance for the Dutch giants led to him being linked with several clubs across the continent, but it was the Old Trafford outfit that ultimately won his signature.

Since then, Van de Beek has struggled for playing time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemingly not a fan of the 24-year-old.

The game against Roma offered him a rare opportunity to start, and it is safe to say that the former Ajax man did not make the most of his chances.

He was tidy and efficient in possession but did not offer too much creativity. He also fluffed his lines when he was in a good position to launch a counterattack.

Despite Van de Beek's current travails, his quality is not in question. However, he will need to start making the most of the rare opportunities handed to him if he is to successfully stake a claim at a regular spot in the Manchester United team.

#2 Impressive David de Gea reminds everyone of his abilities

David de Gea pulled off a series of fine saves against AS Roma
David de Gea pulled off a series of fine saves against AS Roma

The last few years have been one to forget for David de Gea, and his downfall culminated in him losing his starting spot for Manchester United to Dean Henderson.

His place in the national team is also up in the air, with Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao having been preferred in recent fixtures.

However, the 30-year-old remains a quality goalkeeper and reminded everybody of his abilities with a fine display against AS Roma.

His night began as early as the third minute when he made a point-blank save from Mancini. That was a sign of things to come for the former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper.

AS Roma were at their most dominant early in the game. However, they met an immovable object in the shape of De Gea, who brought his A-game to the fore against the Giallarossi.

A total of nine saves were made by the Manchester United goalkeeper, with the picks of the bunch coming in the form of point-blank saves from Dzeko, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mancini.

There was nothing De Gea could do about any of the three goals he conceded, but he unarguably prevented Manchester United from suffering a more scandalous defeat.

Despite ending the game on the losing side, David de Gea still gave a good account of himself with a throwback to his peak years. He was justly named Man of the Match for what was a pristine display between the sticks.

#1 Edinson Cavani steps up to the plate once again for Manchester United

Edinson Cavani scored a brace
Edinson Cavani scored a brace

It is highly likely that Edinson Cavani will not be a Manchester United player after this season. If that proves to be the case, the 34-year-old is ensuring that he writes his name into the club's folklore in just one year.

Having initially had a slow start to life at Old Trafford, Cavani has burst into life in recent weeks and has carried the Manchester United attack in the absence or underperformance of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

The former PSG man put Roma to the sword in the first leg with a brace and two assists. He continued from where he left off with another brace in the Italian capital.

The Manchester United number seven had initially missed two golden opportunities, but he made amends with two goals on either side of halftime.

That brings his total to seven goals in his last six games. If Manchester United are to end the season on a high, their deadline-day signing would have played a key role in that.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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