When playing against German opposition, one can normally expect a tough encounter. Manchester United and RB Leipzig met for the first time in a European competition, with United having been unbeaten in their last 10 home matches against German sides in European competition (W7 D3), with their last such defeat coming at the hands of Bayern Munich in April 2001 (0-1). RB Leipzig on the other hand are leading in the Bundesliga, one point above Bayern Munich. They had previously won both of their matches versus English teams in European competition without conceding a goal – beating Spurs 4-0 on aggregate in last season’s UEFA Champions League last 16.
Germans RB Leipzig had their injury concerns ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Midfielder Tyler Adams, defender Marcel Halstenberg, right-back Lukas Klostermann, Austria international Konrad Laimer, defender Nordi Mukiele and young German forward Fabrice Hartmann were all missing.
In the end it was a no-contest, with the United defense controlling the German’s attacks comfortably. And scoring five goals in the process, while keeping a clean sheet.
My Man of the Match has to be Marcus Rashford. The homegrown hero was only introduced off the bench, in place of opening goalscorer Mason Greenwood, the latter we have now learnt having been named on the final shortlist for the 2020 Golden Boy award. Talk about impact substitutions! On Marcus’s half-an-hour on the pitch he caused havoc for the German defenders, registering his first-ever career hat-trick. He kept his composure to make it 2-0 when others expected the offside to be upheld. Rashford was overall outstanding as he kept threatening the RB Leipzig defense, with his runs in behind. His goals were all outstandingly well taken. Just to remind that he is also doing his part in helping to feed kids throughout the UK too!
United next take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, before a visit to Turkey the following Wednesday.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.