Luke Shaw’s own goal was the difference as Barcelona secured a 1-0 win against Manchester United in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.The Red Devils made a good account of themselves at Old Trafford, attempting more shots than their opponents, but couldn’t threaten Marc-Andre ter Stegen when good opportunities arose.And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side now require another memorable comeback if they are to reach the semi-final.It’s not out of the question, of course. United came back from a 2-0 first leg deficit to knock Paris Saint-Germain out in the previous round, and they will feel that they can get at this Barcelona side.And it remains to be seen what condition Lionel Messi will be in after he suffered a facial injury following Chris Smalling’s first-half challenge.
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The quality of football on display wasn’t at the level many would have expected from a game that featured Messi, Luis Suarez and Paul Pogba, and that is reflected in L’Equipe’s player ratings for the match.
The French outlet, who are notorious for handing out harsh scores, gave Barcelona’s starting XI an average rating of 5.3, while Man United received 4.7.
L'Equipe's player ratings
Messi was graded four out of 10, which is the same score given to Ashley Young.
Considering his terrible match stats, it’s quite incredible that Young even managed four out of 10.
L’Equipe gave their highest mark to Man United midfielder Scott McTominay, who received seven out of 10, while Pogba got a score of three - the worst of any player.
Man United’s ratings
- David de Gea | 5
- Ashley Young | 4
- Victor Lindelof | 4
- Chris Smalling | 5
- Luke Shaw | 5
- Diogo Dalot | 5
- Scott McTominay | 7
- Fred | 6
- Paul Pogba | 3
- Marcus Rashford | 4
- Romelu Lukaku | 4
Manager | Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | 5
Barcelona’s ratings
- Marc-Andre ter Stegen | 5
- Nelson Semedo | 5
- Gerard Pique | 6
- Clement Lenglet | 6
- Jordi Alba | 5
- Ivan Rakitic | 5
- Sergio Busquets | 6
- Arthur | 5
- Lionel Messi | 4
- Luis Suarez | 6
- Philippe Coutinho | 5
Manager | Ernesto Valverde | 6
So L’Equipe believe Paul Pogba was the worst player on the pitch.
These are the sort of games that the Frenchman needs to show why Man United paid £89 million to sign him.
United supporters can only hope that he’s saving it for the return leg.