The wing-backs found some joy out wide but the shooting boots remained missing throughout the first half as they went into halftime goalless.
The game remained one of extremely few chances as United neither threatened regularly nor looked particularly in trouble as the game ticked to a close.
Ruben Amorim’s men knocked on the door and looked the likelier team to score but that winner didn’t come as the game finished 0-0.
Here’s how the players rated-
Andre Onana – 4
Flapped at a corner and miskicked the ball repeatedly. Not inspiring confidence. At risk of being replaced.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Looked comfortable playing out from the back despite City’s intense pressing.
Harry Maguire – 6
Started shakily with sloppy passes but grew into it.
Leny Yoro – 6.5
Took time like Maguire but started looking good as the game went on.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Should have had an assist for his brilliant cross in the first half. Improving in attack.
Patrick Dorgu – 6
Full of endeavour and running but the rawness of his game was at full display with overeager tackles, offsides, and ill-advised shots. A world-class player in waiting but needs patience.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Kept it short and simple with the ball. Could improve and get United moving forward.
Casemiro – 7
Earned smart fouls to break the game and screened the defense ably.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Remains the creative hub of the team as he created chances but was let down by poor finishing.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5
Threatening as he tried to make things happen but a chronic lack of end product continues to hold him back.
Substitutes
Victor Lindelof – 6
United defended in good shape so he wasn’t needed individually. Kept the system ticking.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7
Almost stole all the headlines with a brilliant shot off Dorgu’s cross but was saved by Ederson.
Mason Mount – 6.5
Clear to see what Amorim rates him highly. Smart positional sense, intelligence and the odd threat in the box. Needs to stay fit.
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