Here’s a new one for you: If not for David De Gea, Manchester United would have been blown out by the fifth-best club in Spain.
As it was, Athletic Bilbao defeated Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford on Thursday in the first leg of the Europea League third-round tie. Now, United must win by two goals in next week's return leg to advance.
In truth, Bilbao deserved even more. The Spaniards, currently fifth in La Liga, dominated possession and out-shot United 22-12 (14-7 on target).
Fernando Llorente equalized for Bilbao late in the first half after Wayne Rooney had given United a lead against the run of play. Oscar De Marcos put Bilbao ahead in the 72nd minute, and Iker Muniaín made it 3-1 in second-half stoppage time after a quick counter.
Rooney gave United hope with a well-taken penalty even later in stoppage time. But United will need an excellent performance next week to keep their European campaign alive.
Player ratings are below.
Goalkeeper
David De Gea: 8.0 (Man of the Match)
It seems weird to rate De Gea so highly after allowing three goals, but he was excellent. The young Spaniard kept United on level terms with a string of excellent saves in the second half, especially from Muniaín in the 50th minute. Bilbao kept coming at United all night, and without De Gea's heroics, the hosts could have given up five, six or even more.
Patrice Evra: 4.0
Evra got forward well early, but as the game progressed had to stay back to deal with never-ending defensive responsibilities. And like the rest of United's defenders, Evra struggled with the pace and movement of Bilbao's attackers, who weaved in, out, around and through United's defense all night. Even Iraola, Evra's full-back counterpart, found tons of space on the wing.
Rafael: 4.0
Rafael often looked overwhelmed, and in second half stoppage time, he looked uninterested in stopping Bilbao's third goal. Instead, he stood and watched while Muniaín raced onto the rebound and scored.
Jonny Evans: 5.5
Nobody in United's defense could keep up with Llorente, De Marcos, Muniaín or Susaeta, but Evans worked admirably to keep Bilbao out. A commendable effort, if not always effective.
Chris Smalling: 5.5
Smalling did better than his teammates but had to leave as a sub early in the second half after reopening the head wound he suffered on international duty with England. United's defense was suspect before he left and awful after.
Phil Jones: 4.5
Jones started out as a defensive midfielder and moved into defense after Smalling's departure. He performed below average in both places and was slow to react to Bilbao's fast passing and movement.
Midfielders
Ryan Giggs: 5.0
Giggs had his moments, especially with his clever work in the build-up for United's opener. But more often he was overwhelmed.
Park Ji-Sung: 4.0
Park was just overwhelmed without Giggs' flashes of brilliance. He's better as a sub.
Ashley Young: 4.0
I would write more here, but I had a hard time remembering anything Young did all night. That's never a good sign.
Wayne Rooney: 6.5
As far as two-goal performances go, this one won't be anywhere near his best. Rooney showed great anticipation on the opener and took his penalty very well in second-half stoppage time. For most of the second half, though, he dropped farther and farther into the midfield in an effort to have more influence on the game.
Javier Hernandez: 5.0
Chicharito was hesitant and indecisive throughout. Rooney created a chance for him in the 62nd minute, but Hernandez took too long to shoot while trying to put the ball on his left foot. Nani set him up 21 minutes later but Hernandez hesitated again and lost the chance. He did do well with his first-half chance that led to the opening goal, turning a defender before forcing a rebound out of the keeper with a low, hard shot.
Substitutes
Michael Carrick: 5.0
Carrick replaced Smalling and moved into Jones' midfield spot with similar results.
Nani set up Hernandez late in the match and created danger where he could.
Anderson: 5.0
Anderson worked hard but lacked direction. His galloping run through midfield in the 80th minute led to nothing at all, but at least he showed desire.
