UCL 2017/18: Benfica 0-1 Manchester United, Player Ratings

Manchester United

Nemanja Matic was Manchester United's best player on the night

David de Gea - 6

The Spaniard didn't have a meaningful save to make the entire game although Benfica threatened in the first half.

Antonio Valencia - 6.5

Valencia was kept quiet when he pushed forward as he was unable to put in any quality cross into the box. He was tested sternly by Grimaldo's intensity but managed to pass that. He made a good sweeping clearance to deny Goncalves from getting a tap-in early in the second half.

Victor Lindelof - 7

Lindelof continues to shine in the Champions League this season. He read the runs of the Benfica attackers and made some important clearances with confidence to maintain his side's clean sheet.

Chris Smalling - 7

Smalling had as solid a game, coordinating his back four at times when Benfica looked a threat in attack and heading away crosses with real conviction.

Daley Blind - 7

Blind showed a lot of purpose when he went up the pitch, covering the entirety of the left wing and finding room to deliver crosses.

Nemanja Matic - 8

Matic was United's Man of the Match in Portugal. He did everything a defensive midfielder is expected to do - break up Benfica's play, initiate an attack by moving the ball forward and also make himself a part of the attack when the opposition is looking to sit back. In the first half, he showed great drive in bursting through a line of Benfica players before getting a fierce shot away, which was saved by Svilar. It was a complete display from the former Benfica man.

Ander Hererra - 6

Herrera often played it safe with his passing, with limited intent to cut open the opposition defence. He got more room and passing options as the game wore on and the Benfica midfield began to tire.

Juan Mata - 5

Mata had an off day at the Estadio da Luz as he failed to get the incisive pass or through-ball in the paths of his fellow colleagues.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 6

Mkhitaryan was the most fouled player on the pitch, which probably denied him the opportunity to showcase himself from a number 10 role at the Estadio da Luz.

Marcus Rashford - 6.5

A bizarre goal from a goalkeeping error does not hide Rashford's shortcomings during the game. His first touches were wayward and he rarely completed individual dribbles to produce a goal-scoring chance for United. He did outpace a heavy-legged Douglas on the flank during the second half before limping off with an injury.

Romelu Lukaku - 6.5

Lukaku was initially short of service due to Mata and Mkhitaryan's lack of creativity. His contribution grew stronger as the second half progressed, holding up the ball on the edge of the penalty area while identifying his passing options in case there was no room to shoot.

Substitutes

Anthony Martial - 6.5

Martial was lively during the 15 minutes he was on the pitch, using his fleet-footedness to skip past Douglas on the byline before seeing his shot saved by Svilar.

Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay - N/A

Both players were given late run-outs to see the game out.