Partizan Belgrade 0-1 Manchester United: 3 Talking Points

#2 Unlikely Heroes for Manchester United

Phil Jones seemed much-improved playing in the centre-back role

The Red Devils find themselves in a peculiar transitional phase where nothing they do seems to be able to shake off this rot that has settled into the team. Although their performance on the day was very much in keeping with that trend, there were signs of life from a few unlikely sources which will give hope to the Manchester United faithful.

Brandon Williams, in particular, was sublime both defensively and going forward. He did really well once Marcus Rashford came onto the pitch and provided an outlet on the left as well. One that could truly be considered as Luke Shaw's deputy in the left-back position at United.

James Garner had a decent showing in the centre of the park with Scott McTominay who also was able to cut out plenty of the threat through the middle. Although they both seemed to be working individually, rather than as a unit.

Another surprise was Phil Jones who was perhaps the better of the three centre-backs on the pitch. He struggled a bit playing on the right, but once he moved into a central position, he showed some good anticipation and actively shut down danger.