Hard to believe that before this match, United had been winless since the 2016/17 season in matches against Spanish opponents (D3 L6). The last win – prior to their last nine European matches – being a 1-0 victory over Celta de Vigo in UEFA Europa League semi-final. United have now thankfully and finally overcome this drought. United – with Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani absent due to muscle injuries – faced ‘old’ players, impressive Adnan Januzaj (‘I know my qualities, I know who I am. I don’t have to show United or anybody that I’m a good player’), as well as former Manchester City midfielder David Silva (who left Manchester City after 10 years in the Premier League) and former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal (who returned to Spain In August 2019).
My Man of the Match goes to Daniel James. Although in the first half, in spite of being full of running, he gave away some silly fouls and loose possession, he came into his own in the second when the game was stretched. He was fantastic defensively and helped Wan-Bissaka out. His performance was justified with a goal — which could have been two if not for Greenwood being judged just offside, as well as an assist. He’s now scored three goals in essentially his last five appearances. Here’s hoping that he’s starting to come into his own.
This first leg of the Europa League last 32 was played in the neutral ground of Turin due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in Spain. United are back to winning ways in style to put one foot in the last 16 of the Europa. The second leg is being played at Old Trafford coming Wednesday at 9.00 pm. Fingers crossed we give another great performance as the opposition showed they could play as well.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.