Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Pre-Season)

As Manchester United reached the end of their pre-season fixtures, their penultimate game saw them lose to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. 

A late goal from Joao Felix would see Atletico, who beat United in the Champions League last season, repeat the result. 

Despite United looking the better team for much of the game, they were unable to put the ball into Atletico’s net, falling short of their free-scoring pre-season form.

Here is how UtdDistrict rated the Reds’ performance against Atletico Madrid:

Starting XI

David De Gea - 6/10

Despite looking shaky in the early stages of the first half, eased into the game as the minutes went on. De Gea was rarely called upon to do anything of note.

Seemed to take more time with his passing later on in the game, perhaps a sign that the old dog can learn new tricks.

Diogo Dalot - 7/10

A solid performance from Dalot, one that stands equal to his earlier pre-season appearances. Playing behind Anthony Elanga, Dalot was more than willing to offer support for his forward whenever he was called upon.

Will be disappointed with a poor cross in the second half where he failed to lift the ball past the Atleti defence, despite being in acres of space. 

Harry Maguire - 8/10

United’s best player across the 90 minutes, making vital interceptions on several occasions. As he has throughout United’s pre-season campaign, Maguire looked far more comfortable on the right side of the defence.

Would have been a 9/10, but missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring after wasting a free header in the second half. 

Victor Lindelof - 6/10

Not a weak link, but definitely the weakest part of United’s defence on Saturday. Made some minor errors, but none that resulted in an Atletico goal.

With the signing of Lisandro Martinez seemingly indicating Lindelof could become United’s fourth choice centre-back, it was a decent enough performance to keep him in contention for future starts. 

Tyrell Malacia - 8/10

With Luke Shaw’s illness keeping him out of United’s game in Oslo, Malacia looked more than comfortable in his first full 90 minutes in a United shirt.

He went close to scoring in the second half, and continued to show constant creativity that could well secure him a starting position against Brighton next weekend.

Fred - 6/10

A good performance marred by a stupid red card. Booked in the first half for a tactical foul, his second yellow deserved both cards on its own. Clearly losing his head in the heat, Fred stamped on Alvaro Morata, and was rightly given his marching orders.

Scott McTominay - 5/10

Much like most of the United team, this wasn’t McTominay at his best. Where players such as Rashford, Maguire, and Elanga who had a point to prove put on strong showings, McTominay failed to do so.

Playing like his place in the team against Brighton next weekend was guaranteed, more could have been shown from the Scotland international.

Anthony Elanga - 7/10

Easily Elanga’s best game of pre-season, the Swedish international looked far more lively than he had in previous games this summer.

The only United goalscorer in United’s two-legged Champions League tie against Atletico last season, Elanga had the chance to score against the Spanish side yet again late in the first-half, but failed to do so.  

Bruno Fernandes - 6/10

A largely uneventful performance from United’s talisman. Moments of class, but felt like he was holding back at times. Was lucky to avoid a booking early in the first half when showing his usual aggressive side. 

Marcus Rashford - 8/10

Possibly the best of United’s attack, Rashford was involved in almost all that was positive for the Red Devils. Where his forward compatriot Martial has stolen the headlines throughout United’s pre-season so far, this time it was Rashford who looked at his best. Unlucky to not have picked up a goal or an assist.

Anthony Martial - 6/10

Probably Martial’s worst performance of United’s pre-season fixtures. Martial looked like he had begun to take the foot off the gas. Showed embers and sparks, but the fire never really got going. 

Substitutes

Christian Eriksen - 8/10

A class cameo from a class act. A very exciting start from United’s new #14, one who United fans will be eagerly awaiting more from.

Facundo Pellistri - 6/10

Looked sharp in his extended cameo, but without producing much of note. Had to do better when the ball fell to him late on in the second half.

Given a golden chance to score the winner, Pellistri snatched at the opportunity, blasting it into the Atleti defence.

Donny van de Beek - 6/10

Offered very little in his limited minutes, did as much as could have been asked, but failed to make a real impact.

James Garner - 6/10

Forced onto the pitch under the ref's suggestion following Fred looking like he would be sent off. Played for a matter of moments.