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MID LIFE CRISIS

Man Utd player ratings: Fred and Pereira non-existent in first half midfield horror show, but Rashford gives Utd hope

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MANCHESTER UNITED were taught a lesson by their city rivals as Pep Guardiola's City tore the Red Devils apart in a blistering first half at Old Trafford.

The midfield was non-existent for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, and it threatened to really get embarrassing for United.

 Fred and Pereira left Lindelof and Jones horrendously exposed to City's slick attacks
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Fred and Pereira left Lindelof and Jones horrendously exposed to City's slick attacksCredit: EPA

A second half strike from Marcus Rashford did give United a glimmer of hope for the second leg after Nemanja Matic had come on to give his side a little more defensive steel.

For the second leg to be competitive, Solskjaer's men will have to be much better than in this sorry showing though.

SunSport's Etienne Fermie rates and slates the Red Devils' individuals.

DAVID DE GEA - 6/10

Helpless for Silva's opener. Left woefully exposed by the dreadful display of incompetence in front of him. Made some good saves, including from Riyad Mahrez just before United scored.

 David de Gea was left woefully exposed
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David de Gea was left woefully exposedCredit: PA:Press Association

AARON WAN-BISSAKA - 5

Largely a passenger, with City having most of their joy by targeting United's left-hand side.

PHIL JONES - 4

Sat down by De Bruyne for City's third. It feels harsh to slate him, having not played for so long, and given the lack of protection from the McTominay-less midfield... but he is not cut out for this level and was out of his depth.

VICTOR LINDELOF - 4

Good with the ball at his feet but weak in the aerial duel. Won't be happy with his performance.


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BRANDON WILLIAMS - 4

Given a torrid time as City continually bullied United down their left hand side. The teenager was powerless to stop a rampant Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva combination. Youngster will hopefully learn from the experience.

FRED - 4

Allowed Bernardo Silva to shift the ball onto his favoured left foot for City's opener. Some nice touches, but always flatters to deceive. The Brazilian can never seem to control a midfield for the Red Devils.  Offered zero defensive protection in a pathetic first half. Booked.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to embarrassing Carabao Cup loss to Man City
 Fred and Pereira left Lindelof and Jones horrendously exposed to City's slick attacks
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Fred and Pereira left Lindelof and Jones horrendously exposed to City's slick attacksCredit: EPA

ANDREAS PEREIRA - 4

Unfortunate to turn into his own net as United fell apart before half-time. Like Fred, some nice touches, but just never convinces from the start for United. Part of a midfield duo constantly moved around and ripped apart by City in the first half. Offered absolutely nothing defensively.

DANIEL JAMES - 4

Booked. A few little darts but failed to make any proper impact.

JESSE LINGARD - 2

Booked. Struggled to get into the game at all. His torrid season continues.

MARCUS RASHFORD - 7

Hovered on the periphery for most of the game, but was on hand to finish expertly when fed by Greenwood in the second half.

 Rashford took his one clear chance well to keep United clinging on in the tie
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Rashford took his one clear chance well to keep United clinging on in the tieCredit: Getty - Contributor

MASON GREENWOOD - 6

Fluffed a decent chance from the edge of the box in the first half. Took advantage of some City sloppiness in midfield to drive forward and expertly assist Rashford.

SUBS:

NEMANJA MATIC (for Lingard, 46) - 6

Offered United more defensive protection by his mere presence alone. Did his best to offer the back four a shield and launch occasional attacks himself.

ANGEL GOMES (for James, 64) - 5

Largely anonymous after coming on. Youngster will be boosted from the show of faith from his manager though.

ANTHONY MARTIAL (for Greenwood, 81) - 5

No time to make any impact.

Subs not used: Romero, Dalot, Chong, Mata

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