Man Utd player ratings: De Gea’s experience saves the day as Fred, Matic and Mata disappoint against AZ Alkmaar
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will not be able to blame the plastic pitch for his side's poor performance against AZ Alkmaar.
Manchester United failed to have a shot on target in a Europa League game for the first time in their history.
United's starting line-up cost a whopping £249million, but their performance failed to reflect this as they were held to a 0-0 draw.
Here's how SunSport's Joe Miles rated the Red Devils...
David de Gea - 7
Solskjaer made the right decision to keep De Gea between the sticks instead of playing Sergio Romero.
The experienced Spaniard made a good save to deny a powerful effort from Idrissi in the first half and denied Idrissi in the second half. His experience was evident.
Diogo Dalot - 6
His balls into the box would have caused more problems if United had a target man.
The 20-year-old charged up and down the flank while covering the defence. Good all-round display.
Victor Lindelof - 6
His experience was crucial to keeping United's defence organised as AZ relentlessly attacked in the first half.
But the Swedish star went viral on social media after a pass forward he attempted to do ended up in row Z on the other side of the pitch.
Marcos Rojo - 6
Seemed to always be in the right place at the right time tonight at The Hague.
The Argentine ace made countless crucial clearances and interceptions, but needs to work on his final product when he attacks up the pitch.
Brandon Williams - 7
Considering it was his full Manchester United debut at the age of 18, he oozed confidence.
He charged up and down the left flank like he owned it, but sometimes held onto the ball for too long.
Went to the ground with a knock towards the end, but after a brief visit from the medical staff he played until the end.
Nemanja Matic - 4
The Reds might not mind letting him leave for free in the summer if he keeps playing like this.
The Serbian star failed to make his mark on the game despite being one of the most experienced players on the pitch. He looked slow, shaky and struggled to create any chances.
Juan Mata - 3
Fans would not been able to tell that Mata was one of the most experienced players on the pitch.
Aside from the occasional five-yard pass, the 31-year-old did very little for United.
Angel Gomes - 5
Had a great chance to open the scoring in the first half after Dalot whipped an imposing ball into the box, but the ball got tangled under his feet as he tried to shoot.
Fred - 2
The midfielder failed to silence his critics with yet another underwhelming display which left fans questioned why they forked out £47million for him.
The midfielder was slow to close down the ball and sloppy in possession. Plenty of room for improvement.
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Daniel James - 5
Started the match in a more central role with Greenwood to his right, but the fan favourite struggled to get involved in the game. When he did get on the ball, his pace caused problems.
Mason Greenwood - 5
The youngster found himself marked out of the game from the first whistle until he was subbed off.
He had no supply from the midfield and was unable to find space.
Greenwood had one chance in the first half, but his close range effort was blocked by Vlaar.