Manchester United at least gave fans something to cheer as they sent them into the summer sun with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
True to the mood of a miserable season, United couldn’t let their visitors escape on a high and thus denied Villa Champions League football.
Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen were on the scoresheet as United ended their worst-ever Premier League campaign by some distance in 15th.
Encouragingly for United, this was a surprisingly one-sided affair, although they were helped by Emiliano Martinez’s sending-off before the break, then Morgan Rogers’ controversially ruled-out goal.
Which player ‘completely bamboozled’ the opposition? Who looks like a ‘masterstroke’ of a signing? And which star proved he ‘cannot be relied on’?
Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT brings you his player ratings from Old Trafford.
Man United beat Aston Villa to end their season on a high, but what are Mail Sport’s ratings?
Altay Bayindir – 6
Looks uncomfortable when balls are swung into the box and catching rarely ever seems an option. Can consider himself lucky that VAR didn’t get involved when the ball was poked out of his fingers and put into the back of the net by Morgan Rogers.
Victor Lindelof – 6.5
In his final outing at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player, Lindelof put in a performance that was largely devoid of mistakes. A low-key end to his time at the club but certainly very little to pull him up on.
Harry Maguire – 7
One of the eight survivors from the starting XI that fluffed their lines in Bilbao. He played well that night and was equally assured here against a Villa attack he played a large part in restricting to next to nothing. Produced a brilliant bit of skill out wide to tee up Dalot, who struck the post, in the first half.
Ayden Heaven – 7
Has had to be patient to start again in the Premier League but here was a further reminder of what a steal he has been for the club at just £1.5million. They’ve got a lot wrong at Manchester United in recent times but picking up Heaven from Arsenal was a masterstroke. Should be afforded a greater role next season.
Ayden Heaven looks a masterstroke of a signing and should be given a greater role next season
Altay Bayindir looks uncomfortable when balls are swung into the area and he was lucky his gaffe involving Morgan Rogers wasn’t punished
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Was bold and bright down the right and created a brilliant chance for Mason Mount to open the scoring after four minutes. Day was cut short after 18 minutes after he appeared to pull his hamstring. Went straight down the tunnel.
Casemiro – 6.5
Clipped onto the post as United turned the screw in the second half, this was a match that felt more European than domestic with how slow and ponderous Villa were, completely playing into Casemiro’s hands. Remains to be seen if he will be back at Old Trafford again next season with so much up in the air. But this was a solid display. Booked.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
So much noise heading into this game about his future and mounting interest from Saudi Arabia and yet he blocked all that out to go ahead and conduct a rare Manchester United win. Almost rifled a pile driver past Olsen before teeing up Amad to make it 1-0. Added gloss to his display by selflessly handing penalty duties over to Christian Eriksen.
When he plays well, so often United do too. That is why his below-par game in Bilbao will sting for a long time to come.
Bruno Fernandes conducted the victory despite all the noise surrounding his future
Patrick Dorgu – 6.5
Faced little to no resistance from a woeful Matty Cash on the day and so up and down he ran. There have been multiple occasions since arriving where Dorgu has looked nervous. There was none of that today, thanks mostly to the pitiful right side of Aston Villa.
Amad Diallo – 7.5
Moved to wing-back at half time and that brought him alive in a game that was crying out for his creativity. Completely bamboozled Ian Maatsen twice, first running in behind him to head in to make it 1-0 and then running past him to draw a penalty for the second goal. A good day’s work for the Ivorian. Booked.
Mason Mount – 6
Had two early attempts on goal inside the area that were smartly saved by Emi Martinez four minutes in. Drifted a touch thereafter. Needs to find a killer instinct if he is to lock down a No 10 spot next season.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
It was his bursting run through on goal in the first half that drew the red card for Emi Martinez in Villa’s goal. But this was another performance which showed United cannot rely on Hojlund to put the ball into the back of the net. So frustrating when Kobbie Mainoo cut back to him six yards out in front of an open goal, only to fluff his touch completely.
Rasmus Hojlund proved he cannot be relied on to stick the ball inthe back of the net once again
Amad Diallo boozled his opposite number Ian Mattsen and got on the scoresheet again
MANAGER: Ruben Amorim – 7.5
Fair play to Amorim. He made eight of his Bilbao starters face the music in front of a fuming home crowd and they responded with one of their most complete performances since he arrived. Really classy touch to get Eriksen and Evans on for their farewell appearances, too.
SUBS
Diogo Dalot (for Noussair Mazraoui, 19) – 6
Smacked the post in the 28th minute after a brilliant bit of skill down the right by Harry Maguire. Was taken off at half-time so his final day outing amounted to around 26 minutes total.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Diogo Dalot, 46) – 7
One of his better games in recent months. Mainoo brought energy and purpose in midfield areas to help United finally get the breakthrough. Deserved an assist when he cut back to Hojlund in the six-yard box… only for the striker to fluff his touch.
Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans got their send-off in front of the Old Trafford crowd
Jonny Evans (for Ayden Heaven, 66) – 6.5
Made one crunching tackle that got the crowd off their feet. Will be fondly remembered when he goes and not many from the current crop will get to say that when they are shown the door.
Christian Eriksen (for Mason Mount, 66) – 6
Struck the bar with a free-kick in almost trademark Eriksen fashion but did get on the scoresheet after being handed a late penalty by Fernandes. It’s not always been sunshine and light during his time at the club but he deserved this special cameo as a send-off.
Chido Obi (for Rasmus Hojlund, 81)
