Rasmus Hojlund awful, Leny Yoro superb – Man United ratings in Tottenham defeat
Rasmus Hojlund underlined Man United’s drab and lifeless performance in their 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Harry Maguire was a constant threat from set pieces, Amad was exceptionally lively, Leny Yoro was a rock at the back, but ultimately, it was not enough; United were just not up to the task.
There will be questions asked of Ruben Amorim’s decision to leave Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo on the bench, why it took an hour for any changes to be made, and if there was another game plan other than launching the ball towards their English centre-back from corners.
But once again, it matters little, and United will have to contend with the fact that their loss to Spurs condemns them to a season without European football. A season in which they will finish no higher than 14th.
Man United offer little in Europa League final loss to Tottenham
Andre Onana – 3
Onana is set to stay at Man United this summer after being heavily linked with an exit. The goalkeeper looked shaky in the first half and flapped at Johnson’s opener for Spurs.
Leny Yoro – 9 – Player of the Match
Composed and Rolls-Royce smooth. The Frenchman was the second youngest starter ever for United in a European final, and one brief mix-up with Onana aside, Yoro was the best defender on the pitch.
Harry Maguire – 7
The danger man. Maguire has enjoyed a complete turnaround in his Man United career, and that continued against Spurs, offering a constant threat from corners and free kicks.
Luke Shaw – 5
The weak link in United’s back line. Shaw’s delivery from set pieces was decent, but his defensive work was less than impressive.
Noussair Mazraoui (off for Dalot 85′) – 8
Battler. Won an astounding 12 duels whilst also offering serious quality down the right flank. But his teammates were unable to match his quality.
Casemiro quietly impressive for Man United
Casemiro – 7
Playing in his ninth European final, having only lost the UEFA Super Cup in 2018, the Brazilian’s experience in the middle of the park was impactful, but ultimately, there is a vast difference between having Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo as teammates, compared to having Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Fernandes has been heavily linked with a move to Al Hilal, but the Portuguese star found it difficult to impact the game, having only one real sight of goal.
Patrick Dorgu (off for Mainoo 90′) – 5
Shaky. The Danish wingback is only 20-years-old and had some nervy moments, but was far from the biggest problem for United.
Amad – 5
Amad shone in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in United’s last outing, and created two good chances for his side, but could not find the back of the net.
Mason Mount creates little for Man United
Mason Mount (off for Garnacho 71′) – 3
The surprise starter. The hopes were that Mount’s experience in European finals and his recent good form would make him a thorn in Tottenham’s side. Instead he was more of a rock in their shoe, annoying, but easy to deal with.
Rasmus Hojlund (off for Zirkzee) – 2
Absent. A grand total of 15 touches before he was hooked for Joshua Zirkzee with 20 minutes to go. The Danish striker was once again a non-factor for United.
Substitutes
Joshua Zirkzee (on for Hojlund 71′) – 7
Expected to be out for the rest of the season, the Dutchman immediately added more link-up play with his introduction.
Alejandro Garnacho (on for Mount 71′) – 7
Full of energy and offered a directness that was missing in the first half.
Diogo Dalot (on for Mazraoui 85′) – 7
Dalot’s crosses almost earned United the equaliser, so close, but not close enough.
Kobbie Mainoo (on for Dorgu 90′) – 6
For a team lacking in creativity, the decision to only introduce Mainoo with minutes to go was baffling.