For a party which started off with a mix-bag of chances from either side, it culminated into a concoction of heated feuds and drama, as 10-men Manchester United booked their place in the final of the Europa League after playing out a gritty, hard-fought draw against Celta Vigo who were forced to play with 10 as well.
Manchester United – touted to be the favourites to lift the only trophy that has always eluded them, went into the second leg with an away goal lead and scored early, courtesy of a Marouane Fellaini header to ensure a steady route to see out the game.
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The flow, however, turned on its head as the game progressed and it came to a boil when Facundo Roncaglia equalised in the 86th minute which was immediately followed by an on-pitch altercation and two sending offs - to ensure a dramatic and nail-biting end to the game.
As the tempers still continue to cool down, we take a look at the player ratings.
Manchester United
Sergio Romero - 7.5/10
Romero has made a name for himself as a resilient keeper through the Europa league and today was no different. Like in the first leg, he wasn’t overly troubled but made some vital saves and wasn’t at the fault for the goal that was conceded. He has surely earned the right to start the final in Stockholm but the absence of Eric Bailly might make Mourinho reconsider that.
Antonio Valencia - 7/10
The right back was also the skipper for the game. The man from Ecuador had a relatively quiet, yet troubled evening as Sisto continued to drift inwards to wreck havoc in United’s defence. Nevertheless, he put in a steady, consistent shift and got the important tackles in. Lacked in the attacking scope by his standards.
Daley Blind - 5.5/10
A surprisingly low game for the veteran today from the first whistle. He lost possession twice in dangerous areas and got booked relatively early on in the 30th minute. For a player who is known for his calm the Dutchman seemed mostly at unease today but improved marginally as the game went on. Was at fault for the equaliser as there was a failure of communication in marking with his centre-back partner. A largely forgetful night for the Blind.
Eric Bailly - 5/10
For 85 minutes, Eric Bailly was having a stellar game and was a rock in the defence as usual. However, he was largely at fault for the equaliser and soon thereafter got sent off after an altercation with Roncaglia. United are sure to miss his presence in the final and deserves a low marking for that very reason.
Matteo Darmian - 7/10
After a shaky start to the game, Darmian settled in quite well. Won the key duels and was 100% on his tackes. The Italian also kept Celta’s overlapping fullback at bay.
Ander Herrera - 7.5/10
Worked like a machine and made important tackles in his own half. Was troubled in the first half but then grew into the game to his consistent best. Made the most number of interceptions and had a good duel with Wass in the first half.
Paul Pogba - 7/10
Robust and composed in the midfield. The Frenchman had a moment of magic in the first half and made key passes in the final third. Could’ve taken more time on his shooting.
Marouane Fellaini - 8/10
Fellaini had a great game at the anchor role yet again. Was at the right place at the right time for the early goal. His tenacity to reach all long balls also made him the most fouled player on the Reds’ side. Continuously troubled Celta’s midfield with his physicality and could have ended up with a brace.
Jesse Lingard - 6/10
Another one of the invisible performances from Lingard who only had two shots. However, he did well to pressure the defence at times and put in a complete shift like a workaholic horse, though more results have to be shown for his efforts.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 8/10
One of the best players on the pitch for United. His effortless dribbling and linkup play was a continuous menace for Celta’s defence. Had a brilliant effort saved by the goalkeeper early in the second half.
Marcus Rashford - 8.5/10
For a player with only 15 passes, Rashford was a constant troublemaker for the opposition’s defence today. always troubling. His tireless running constantly pressured the defence and the goalkeeper, forcing them into mistakes. Showed off his repertoire of skills with the inch perfect cross for Fellaini to give United the early lead.
Substitutes:
Michael Carrick – 7/10
He was brought on later on in the game to see the game out. The former England international made two important blocks and it was his calmness especially after the altercation that Manchester United needed in the final minutes.
Wayne Rooney – NA
Came on too late to cause any significant difference. Did help in cornering the ball and got a huge cheer from the crows for his efforts.
Chris Smalling – 4/10
Was given a run in for replacing Bailly. Nearly conceded the second because of poor tracking.
Celta Vigo
Sergio Alvarez – 6/10
Put in a regular shift. Couldn't do anything about the first goal, though he did well to save Mkhitaryn’s rocket of a shot and deny Fellaini at the near post.
Johny - 6/10
He was largely at fault for losing Fellaini in the build-up to the first goal. Though he later recovered and made vital interceptions on the left. Didn’t offer much going forward.
Facundo Roncaglia – 6.5/10
He was found out of position for the first goal but settled well as the game wore on. Was able to keep Mkhitaryan quiet for most of the night. Later on, he got the equaliser from a cross from the right to give Celta a lifeline. However, immediately after that, he made things tougher as he was sent off with only minutes remaining after an altercation with Eric Bailly.
Gustavo Cabral – 7/10
The best centre back on the field today. He did well to block out Rashford's chance earlier on and was generally very composed on the ball.
Hugo Mallo - 7/10
The Celta Vigo captain was a constant threat from the right. Very good going forward and was also able to handle Lingard's runs easily. Put in decent crosses for his attackers which ultimately fizzled out.
Pablo Hernandez – 7.5/10
Celta’s best player on the field today, After the initial onslaught, spearheaded all the attacks for the visitor’s side. Kept steady possession and even got into good areas to take a shot, acting Romero into saves.
Nemanja Radoja – 5.5/10
Couldn’t deal with the physicality of Pogba and Fellaini. After maintaining a good tempo the first half, he largely disappeared from the game. Was substituted around the hour mark with no visible influence.
Daniel Wass – 6.5/10
Had a decent battle in midfield against Herrera. With the dead ball duties assigned to him, he put in some good crosses. Also got the better of Bailly to get a chance which was just off target. Got subbed at halftime.
Pione Sisto – 7.5/10
A constant thorn in Manchester United’s backline. Kept driving into good areas and causing havoc for United’s defence. However, as in the first leg, the finishing was always lacking even though his link up play was formidable.
John Guidetti – 4/10
Though largely absent in the earlier stages of the game, Guidetti couldn’t bring the goods even today. Couldn't influence the proceedings and even missed two glorious chances to put Celta level. Moreover, miscued the final shot of the game. Wasteful to say the least.
Iago Aspas – 6.5/10
Troubled United's defence in the early stages and especially got the better of Blind time and again. However, could only muster a few poor shots. The former Liverpool man later got frustrated and got himself booked for dissent.
Substitutes:
Jozabed – 6/10
Kept largely quiet and couldn’t influence the game much. Did well to link up well in the first few minutes of the second half but lulled with the rest of the team. Got a great shot in which was just off target.
Theo Bongonda – 7/10
Brought his bag of tricky plays to inject more energy into Celta’s attack. Linked up well with Sisto before he was subbed off. Got in a beautiful cross for the equaliser and did his job well.
Claudio Beauvue – 6.5/10
Came on too late to get too much into the game but nearly tied up Guidetti for the secon which would have proved to the winner.
