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Mattias Falck, Kristian Karlsson and Jon Persson all suffered defeats at Chinese hands; for newly appointed men’s team assistant coach, Jörgen Persson, there was food for thought.
Kristian Karlsson lost to Wang Chuqin (11-6, 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 11-4), Mattias Falck experienced defeat at the hands of Zhao Zihao (16-18, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7, 13-11, 11-7), before Jon Persson suffered when facing Fan Zhendong, the reigning champion (9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7).
Meanwhile, earlier in the qualification stage, Anton Källberg had experienced defeat at the hands of Sun Wen, also from China (11-8, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10), Truls Moregard had been beaten by Serbia’s Aleksandar Karakasevic (11-9, 12-10, 14-12, 7-11, 11-4).
All are players very much at the vanguard of national team selection with the 2020 particularly in mind.
That’s the way it goes, here we have a fantastic field. Playing Zhao Zihao, Mattias had some net cords at crucial times against him, the luck was not with him. However, he looks good, he is on the right way, on the right lines; you can see progress. He is now much quicker.
In the fifth game against Zhao Zihao, he led 8-3; that was his chance.
It is good to see him back after a foot injury. Now he needs more matches more competition; he needs to play more games.
He has played really well, he had a fantastic qualification. It’s great to see him play, very strong at the moment. He was very good against Fan Zhendong, playing at the highest level; perhaps he became too involved in backhand to backhand rallies and didn’t change.
Overall, most important is that now he is more stable, always maintaining a high level.
He can play better, he needs more confidence. At the moment he is up and down, sometimes good, sometimes a little below. Basically he needs to be more stable in his play.
Unfortunate, it was very difficult for him; he has a shoulder injury. He was not fully fit.
There was a talent exodus for the Winnipeg Jets this summer, leaving more questions than answers. Here's everything you need to know about the Jets heading into the 2019-20 NHL season:
It feels like nothing in the Jets' offseason went well. Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine were the two important restricted free agents, and neither signed a deal by the start of training camp. The Jets traded one of their best defensemen, Jacob Trouba, to New York (they knew they likely wouldn't re-sign him) then saw another two blue-line regulars (Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot) sign elsewhere in free agency.
And then on the eve of training camp, it was announced that top defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was taking a leave of absence from the team, reportedly to ponder his future. A team that looked like a juggernaut just one year ago is riddled with uncertainty.
Byfuglien could return to the team. For now, he is technically suspended, which gives the team more financial flexibility. The list of free-agent departures is significant: Brandon Tanev, Myers, Trouba, Chiarot, Mark Dano, Matt Hendricks, Par Lindholm, Joe Morrow and Kevin Hayes (who was with the team only since the trade deadline). The Jets added forwards Andrei Chibisov, Gabriel Bourque, Mark Letestu plus defensemen Anthony Bitetto and Neal Pionk.
The Jets have $23 million in projected cap space (thanks in part to the Byfuglien suspension) but still need to sign Connor and Laine.
Laine returns, and scores 50 goals. There have been plenty of rumors about Laine as his contract situation remains unresolved, including reports that he's disgruntled. What's not disputable is that Laine is one of the streakiest goal scorers in the NHL. And we think if he returns as a Jet, he'll get hot.
The 24-year-old, acquired from the Rangers in the Trouba trade, will get prime opportunity as a top-four defenseman. He's definitely a downgrade from Trouba, but Pionk's play will be particularly important for a depleted blue line.
The first line. This is assuming Connor's contract situation gets resolved, of course. The chemistry among Connor, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler is undeniable. They make up one of the most dangerous units in the league.
The defense. How crazy is it that a team that boasted perhaps the league's deepest blue line has now one of the league's weakest, all in the span of a few months. Depending on what happens with Byfuglien, the Jets could lose as much as two-thirds of their defensive unit from last season. It's hard to win with that type of turnover and replacements who are not as good.
27. Mark Scheifele, C
29. Blake Wheeler, RW
Were it not for the somewhat barren prospect pipeline (No. 25), the Jets would've ranked even higher, as their ratings for NHL roster (No. 11), cap/contracts (No. 10) and owner/GM/coach (No. 14) were considerably better.
Pipeline ranking: 28
39. Kristian Vesalainen, LW
100. Ville Heinola, D
If management doesn't come to terms with restricted free agents Patrik Laine and/or Kyle Connor, the Jets will be forced to shuffle some bodies around up front. Winger Nikolaj Ehlers appears the early favorite to take over for Connor on the left side of Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. There's little question Ehlers would likely challenge his career-best 64 points (2016-17) if that's how it shakes out.
Third-year skater Jack Roslovic is another one to watch if either Laine or Connor doesn't return, and perhaps even otherwise. Ready for his close-up, the 2015 first-round draft pick is coming off a 24-point campaign serving as a depth forward. The 22-year-old could start this season on the Jets' second scoring line.
Dustin Byfuglien potentially stepping away from the game, along with Jacob Trouba jetting earlier, sees the blue-line reins handed over to Josh Morrissey. The Jets' top defenseman, and undisputed member of their No. 1 power play, is easily facing down a campaign of better than 50 points. He's also going to shoot the puck more and play a ton of minutes. -- Victoria Matiash
The New York Rangers won the offseason, but landing Kaapo Kakko, Artemi Panarin and Jacob Trouba doesn't guarantee immediate success. Here's everything you need to know about the Rangers heading into the 2019-20 NHL season:
The Rangers infamously decided their winning window had closed in February 2018, as management parted with many familiar faces and stockpiled draft picks. Just 20 months later, is it possible they're back in the mix? An excited flurry of offseason moves has the Rangers at least relevant again. In the best-case scenario, the youngsters take a step forward and New York emerges as a dark-horse playoff team. More realistically, we see promise, but 2020-21 is when the Blueshirts actually level up.
With the No. 2 pick of the draft, the Rangers selected dynamic scoring winger Kakko, an early favorite for the Calder Trophy. They also won free agency's top prize by signing Panarin to a seven-year, $81.5 million deal. New York's blue line improved with top-pairing defenseman Trouba (acquired via a trade with Winnipeg) while rookies Adam Fox and Libor Hajek will get the chance to prove themselves.
The Rangers said most of their big goodbyes at the trade deadline (Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello, Adam McQuaid). Neal Pionk and Jimmy Vesey were traded over the summer. The team also bought out defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. After inking restricted free agents Brendan Lemieux and Tony DeAngelo, New York has very little cap space.
Kakko scores the most goals for a rookie since 2005-06, when Sidney Crosby scored 39 and Alex Ovechkin had 52. In that span, only Evgeni Malkin has topped 30. Kakko is only 18 years old but has already played with grown men -- and thrived. He put up 26 goals in 50 games in Finland's Liiga last season, then had an incredible World Championships performance, with six goals in 10 games playing against many NHLers.
All eyes will be on Kakko on the right wing, but look for Buchnevich to take the next step. Buchnevich had 21 goals in just 64 games last season. He'll get a golden opportunity to up that total playing on the top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Panarin.
Youth. The Rangers are expected to have 13 players on the opening roster age 25 or younger. That includes some of their top prospects. After seeing significant action last season, New York is looking for improvements from 24-year-old Buchenvich, 23-year-old DeAngelo, 19-year-old Filip Chytil and 20-year-old Lias Andersson. Winger Vitali Kravtsov (19) will get a crack at the lineup, while Fox and Hajek (both 21) should get time on the blue line.
Center depth. Zibanejad has become a dependable and dynamic first-line center, and Rangers fans should be excited about the 26-year-old, who feels like he's just hitting his prime. But the guys stacked up behind him -- Chytil, Ryan Strome and Brett Howden -- won't intimidate many opponents.
17. Panarin, LW
The Rangers landed in the top spot for prospects, No. 4 for cap and contracts and No. 10 for owner/GM/coach. However, they were dragged down by having the No. 20 ranked current roster.
2. Kakko, RW
21. Kravtsov, RW
37. K'Andre Miller, D
40. Adam Fox, D
58. Igor Shesterkin, G
99. Matthew Robertson, D
Big upgrades on offense mean Panarin and Kakko will help lift all boats. If there is chemistry with Panarin, Zibanejad may be a top-30 fantasy play (He was almost top-50 last season without much help). Chris Kreider has sleeper potential depending on his role. And Buchnevich could finally break through on offense.
Trouba is going to announce his presence in a big way this season. Playing in the formidable shadow of Dustin Byfuglien for his entire career, Trouba takes over this Rangers team as the unquestioned leader on defense. Career highs should follow across the board.
With the outlook so positive for this Rangers team all of a sudden, what of the 37-year-old Henrik Lundqvist? Normally, you should run away screaming from goaltenders that reached adulthood prior to Y2K, but there might be something here. The only goaltenders to have solid fantasy seasons at Lundqvist's age are Hall of Famers (or soon-to-be Hall of Famers), such as Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek, Ed Belfour, Patrick Roy and Roberto Luongo. Lundqvist might be among the few whose name doesn't sound out of place with such a group. Don't count him out. -- Sean Allen
Veteran goal-scorer Phil Kessel was acquired this summer to ignite an Arizona Coyotes team that struggled offensively last season. Can he carry them to the playoffs? Here's everything you need to know about the the Coyotes heading into the 2019-20 NHL season:
The Coyotes scored 2.55 goals per game last season, which ranked 28th in the NHL. Part of the problem: a woeful 8.3 shooting percentage, which was third worst in the league. Need goals? Go get a goal-scorer, which is what GM John Chayka did in acquiring right wing Phil Kessel, who had fallen out of favor with the Pittsburgh Penguins after helping them to two straight Stanley Cups. Only 14 players in the NHL have scored more goals than Kessel's 172 since 2013, and the trade reunites him with Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet, who helped get the best out of Phil in Pittsburgh as an assistant. He may not solve all the Coyotes' problems, but the durable forward -- our sweet Phil hasn't missed a game since 2010 -- certainly addresses their hunger for goals.
Along with Kessel, which cost Arizona center Alex Galchenyuk, the Coyotes picked up Carl Soderberg from Colorado in a deal that sent defenseman Kevin Connauton to Denver. They retained a few of their own restricted free agents, too.
Under new owner Alex Meruelo, the Coyotes are capped out for the first time in recent memory, and have 16 players under contract for 2020-21 -- including Kessel, whose deal runs through 2022.
The Coyotes' offense rises, but their goals-against average takes a hit due to injuries and Darcy Kuemper regressing after a career year.
Can someone re-breakout? Schmaltz, whom the Coyotes signed to a seven-year contract extension earlier this year, had a breakout season in 2017-18 with the Blackhawks (21 goals, 31 assists) before falling off the map the following season. He was acquired from Chicago for Dylan Strome (who promptly had his own breakout season for the Blackhawks). Schmaltz is a talented center who controls zone entries, and had 14 points in 17 games for Arizona last season. He'll be a vital piece for them on their second line.
Penalty killing. Both seasons under Tocchet have seen the Coyotes have an outstanding kill, ranking third in the NHL overall during that span (82.3 percent). Full marks to Niklas Hjalmarsson and Brad Richardson as two major reasons why.
The "what ifs" on the roster. Kessel, Clayton Keller, Derek Stepan and Schmaltz should all provide offense. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Hjalmarsson are both studs on the blue line. If healthy, and if there's no regression, Kuemper and Antti Raanta can be an effective goaltending battery. But there are so many other names on this roster that falls into the "boom or bust" category -- and unfortunately, some of them are signed well beyond this season.
None.
Aside from the owner/GM/coach ranking (No. 27), this is a consistent -- it not overly impressive -- team, according to our panelists: No. 18 in cap/contracts, and No. 19 in both prospects and NHL roster.
Pipeline ranking: 16
15. Barrett Hayton, C
44. Victor Soderstrom, D
The Kessel effect is about to take hold in Arizona. While Phil himself will undoubtedly score with habitual aplomb, it's more interesting to predict his influence on linemates. Although Derek Stepan appears first in line to center the former Penguin/Leaf/Bruin, Nick Schmaltz may eventually prove the better fit. Wingers Clayton Keller and Christian Dvorak both stand to benefit from Kessel's bent for production, depending on how the Coyotes' top six sorts out. Coach Rick Tocchet's preferred formation is worth monitoring right up until the start of the regular season.
Another player who will undoubtedly profit from Kessel's arrival is Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Coyotes' top defenseman enjoyed his best season, notching 55 points, back in 2015-16. He'll better that tally with 'Phil the Thrill' playing on the top line and No. 1 power play. Fantasy managers shouldn't overlook Ekman-Larsson as an asset with much upside, including hefty on-ice minutes.
The Coyotes are purportedly happy enough to utilize their two competent netminders in tandem fashion, at least they'll start this campaign that way. As such, neither Antti Raanta nor Darcy Kuemper carry much fantasy weight, unless one grabs the gig and runs with it. Outside of the deepest of leagues, managers are advised against investing in either until then. -- Victoria Matiash
IRVINE, Calif. -- Dallas Eakins is used to these kinds of journeys. The ones that test your endurance. The ones that try to break your will. The ones where people doubt you can reach your destination, especially for a second time. The ones where you constantly battle against the self-doubt that they're right.
In December 2014, Eakins was fired after 113 games as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. He arrived the previous season as a 46-year-old whiz from the AHL Toronto Marlies, the kind of coaching prospect for whom NHL success is assumed. He left humbled by the experience, but with a keen understanding of the mistakes he doesn't plan on repeating as the new head coach of the Anaheim Ducks.
"When I went into Edmonton, there was really no doubt that it was really messed up there. I was brought in there to change the culture," Eakins told ESPN at Ducks training camp last month. "I took a road that was not too familiar to me, and I went in there hard. The line was drawn in the sand. And it was on. And that was not a good way to build a culture. It doesn't take six weeks. It takes lots of time. So I should have gone slower on a lot of things."
How does a hot coaching prospect get his heat back? By signing with Anaheim's minor league affiliate in San Diego, where Eakins coached the past four seasons before replacing his general manager, Bob Murray, behind the bench in Anaheim. He got back on the journey, despite being knocked off course.
"I just took that in stride. I never thought I was hot s--- or anything. It's a big group that covers the game -- they were all on board that I'm the guy. It was 99% of those same people who, when I was gone, were like, 'Yeah that guy's horses---.' That's why I don't put much stock in [perceptions]," he said.
"You ask guys that played for me, and they're probably sick of hearing it. But I'm a big, massive believer in circumstance, choice and character. They go right in a line: You're put in a circumstance. You make a choice. And that choice reveals your character. So my circumstance was that I'd been punted to the side. I could go 'poor me' and blame everyone else. Be angry. But I thought it was important to maximize my time with my family, own what I could own and get a new plan for whatever's next."
Eakins paused for a moment, mentally connecting the different threads of his life.
"It's kind of like doing the Leadville 100. That's what it's like."
The Leadville Trail 100 is billed as "the race of all races." It's a 100-mile journey in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado that starts at an altitude of 10,152 feet and climbs as high as 12,424 feet. The terrain is rugged and steep. Many cyclists enter the race. Many cyclists never finish.
Eakins has. In fact, he did it for the 10th straight year this summer, earning a large golden belt buckle from the organizers with "100 MILES DALLAS" engraved on it.
We spoke with Eakins about the race and his experiences in it. Here's the Ducks coach, in his own words:
"It's interesting. I've done it 10 years in a row, which is a big deal by their standards. Once you get to seven or eight years, you start eyeing that up a little bit.
"It's been an amazing ride. I started on a challenge from a cycling coach. A guy who had an unbelievable background that we had hired as a consultant when I was with the Leafs. He would bug me about hockey players thinking we're so tough. 'You think you're so tough? Why don't you come to this race? And we'll race.' So I did, and he kicked the s--- out of me. So it started there.
"Leadville was a super-wealthy town when the mining industry was big, and then it went dry. They were worried it was going to become a ghost town. So there was this idea that they could bring people in to be part of their town, and that's why they started these endurance races.
"The altitude is a challenge. The first time I went there, my wife and I parked the rental truck, and literally on the second block, walking to a coffee shop, I started gasping.
"It's a 100-mile race. It's a ton of climbing. It's one of those races where no matter what you're doing, you're just thinking, 'I want to go downhill, I want to go downhill, I want something flat.' Then you start going downhill and you start bouncing all over the place and you're like, 'I just want to climb! I just want to climb!' You're never happy. You want to quit, like, 20-30 times. In my very first year, the founder of the race -- I'll never forget -- said there are going to be multiple times when you're going to want to quit, and you're just going to have to put your head down and battle. And so it's a great challenge. The interesting thing about it is that they have a bunch of different endurance races. A week after our race is the 100-mile run.
"What's happened to me over the years is that Leadville became such a special place for me. The people there are gritty. They're tough. They love their little town. They cheer us on. They open up their homes to you. And then the race has kind of been turned into my annual cleansing day. I haven't had a race yet where at the end, when you're battered physically and emotionally, I just have this guttural cry. This release. Where I'm literally just like 'Ugggh!' Everything kind of comes out of me.
"It's great. I feel renewed. And it's a great race because it's held in mid-August. It leads right into the hockey season. It's a special place. It's really hard for me to put into words. It's one of those things where when I run into somebody that's done Leadville, it's like, 'Yeah, I gotcha.'
"To be considered a finisher of the race, you gotta get it done in under 12 hours. If you do that, you get a belt buckle about the size of your phone. If you can go under nine hours, which is incredibly fast, you get a big, grande one. If you do 10 years in a row, you get the biggest one, which is the one that I've got.
"You know, there's been a bunch of other years when on the next day, when they were giving out the gold buckle and I already had like five or six, and I was like, 'I'm going to get on a plane instead.' But this time, I made sure I stayed around for it. I wanted to have ... it's not like I'll wear it often, but when you do show up to these endurance races, you might throw it on for a little bit of fun. It's like putting on elevated shoes. You just walk a little bit taller [laughs]."
MADRID – Kristian Krogh Johannessen of Norway shot a career-best 8-under 63 to match the course record and take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Spanish Open on Thursday.
Johannessen birdied four of his last six holes at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid for the lowest opening round in the event's history. The only bogey for the Norwegian came on the par-4 16th hole, right after he made an eagle on the par-4 15th.
''It was a good round," Johannessen said. ''I didn't hit it perfectly but hit it in the right spots, even when I missed, and I holed some good putts. I'm out there having fun and playing smart. It's a tricky course ... I just need to keep cool and play my own game."
Adri Arnaus of Spain was in second place after a 65 that included five birdies and an eagle.
''It was such a fun round out there with the crowds following," said Arnaus, who started on the back nine. ''I was really happy with how I played out there, especially the front nine. That was a lot of fun. I was happy to finish with a birdie on the ninth."
Defending champion Joh Rahm was three shots back after a 66, in a tie for third place with five other players – including fellow Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello.
''It's a tough golf course," Rahm said. ''You need to drive it well and I did. The reason why I missed so many putts was because I was really trying to get the pace of the greens. It was so fast."
Sergio Garcia was six shots off the lead. Garcia had three birdies and a bogey in his round that left him tied for 30th.
''I hit it well, but in the afternoon it was complicated," Garcia said. ''It was difficult to predict how the ball would react on the greens. Some areas were hard and other soft."
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, an avid golfer, was among those in the crowd. Two days earlier, it was Garcia who was at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium watching Bale play in Real Madrid's 2-2 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Angel Di Maria has said what Lionel Messi told his teammates after Argentina's defeat to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America that left "everyone in tears."
Messi captained Argentina in the tournament but they lost 2-0 to would-be champions Brazil in the semifinals on July 3 before going on to finish third.
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"Messi said some beautiful words when we were eliminated by Brazil," Di Maria told ESPN Argentina. "Messi told us he was proud of the team we had built.
"That we had not been together much as some had not been called up [to the senior team] before. Yet, it felt as though we had all been together for many years.
"He said that we had all rowed in the same direction from the first day. That he was very proud of the youngsters for their commitment to this jersey and if they were there and gave what they gave at the Copa America, it was because they more than deserved to be there.
"Once he finished, everyone was in tears because it touched everyone's hearts, especially the youngsters.
"The young players are the ones that have to carry on in the same path. It will not be easy for them. They will have to work and continue giving their all as sooner or later, luck will be on our side."
Di Maria has represented Argentina since 2008 and like Messi, is yet to win a trophy with the senior team, having lost three straight finals in a three-year period, with the first coming at the 2014 World Cup against Germany.
Messi was criticised by his country men for not singing the national anthem and Argentina great Diego Maradona said the Barcelona star "lacked personality" to lead the Albiceleste.
While Argentina's trophy drought continued this summer, Di Maria said the Copa America showed "a new Messi."
"There was a lot of criticism that he didn't sing [the national anthem], that he didn't talk," Di Maria added. "This Copa America was different. He proved it. What made me happier was to see how he spoke in front of the group, how he spoke to reporters, what he said.
"The important thing is that Leo is like this. I like this Messi."
Messi is serving a three-month ban from international football and will only be able to return to play for Argentina on Nov. 3 after losing his appeal to have the punishment reduced.
The Barcelona captain was also fined $50,000 in August after accusing South America's governing body for football of "corruption" during the Copa America.
Manchester United played out a 0-0 Europa League draw against a spirited AZ Alkmaar side on Thursday, to heap yet more pressure on under-fire boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
In a game in which many of United's regulars were rested, expectations were slightly dampened going in, with a number of the squad's younger members given a chance to shine. But it was to be a frustrating evening for the away side, who were unable to create many chances of note. It means that United remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season, with four points from two games. But the performance, and lack of impetus in attack, will surely be a worry for United, who may count themselves lucky to have left with a point following some late AZ pressure.
Defensively, United were much improved on the night, despite one or two hairy moments. Victor Lindelof looked composed while Marcos Rojo played a key role in denying a number of potential goal-scoring opportunities. Solskjaer will also be pleased by some good individual performances, with the likes of Diogo Dalot and Daniel James looking dangerous down the right-hand side.
United were continuously poor in possession, giving the ball away far too frequently. The isolation of James and Mason Greenwood at times highlighted how United struggled to mount pressure with sustained periods on the ball.
6 -- Solskjaer came into the tie under pressure following a series of underwhelming results, but his rotation and faith in some of United's younger players may leave fans wondering how much the boss values the Europa League. That being said, the starting XI was a good blend of youth and experience, and the draw -- while not ideal -- isn't a terrible result given the team that was put out.
GK David De Gea, 7 -- A fine performance for the Spanish stopper. He was forced into action with a few good saves to keep the score at 0-0, but aside from that, it was a trouble-free night between the sticks for De Gea.
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DF Diogo Dalot, 7 -- Was arguably United's biggest threat going forward in the first half, managing to get forward to provide width, whipping in a number of dangerous crosses in the process. A good return to form for the young right-back.
DF Victor Lindelof, 7 -- Was the more solid of United's centre-back pairing -- unsurprisingly. The Swedish international played a pivotal role in largely containing a dangerous AZ attacking trio.
DF Marcos Rojo, 6 -- An improved display from Rojo at centre-back, a position in which he has not looked entirely comfortable in on many occasions for United.
DF Brandon Williams, 5 -- A second ever first-team appearence for the 19-year-old left-back, who did struggle up against the skillful Calvin Stengs. He will have better nights ahead, with defensive duties limiting his ability to impact the game going forward.
MF Fred, 6 -- The Brazilian helped his side win possession back on a number of occasions, but once the ball was won, he struggled to stamp his authority on the game. Solid, if unspectacular.
MF Nemanja Matic, 5 -- Was responsible for a number of stray passes throughout the game, but otherwise it was an average night for the Serbian.
MF Juan Mata, 6 -- The former Spain star was United's biggest creator centrally throughout the first half, delivering a number of incisive balls in a game defined by frustrating passing. As the game wore on, his impact did diminish, especially after being moved to the right side once James was subbed off.
FW Angel Gomes, 6 -- Playing in his less-favoured position of left wing, Gomes had a mixed evening. Early on he looked a threat, drifting around the pitch in an attempt to find valuable space. But some frustratingly loose passing and a lack of composure in key areas keep his score down on this occasion.
FW Daniel James, 7 -- The Welshman has been one of United's best performers so far this season, and once again, he was lively going forward. James largely featured on the right side, and in doing so was able to link up well with Dalot. He was unfortunate to not have grabbed an assist in the first half, with Greenwood squandering a good chance from a James cross.
FW Mason Greenwood, 6 -- Missed a great opportunity to make it two goals in two Europa League games this season, having a shot blocked from close range in the first half. He cut an isolated figure at times as United struggled to maintain possession.
FW Marcus Rashford, 6 -- Replaced James with a half hour to go, but never appeared to get into the game, as United struggled to create chances late on. Went down in the box feeling he was tripped on 75 minutes, but no penalty was ultimately given.
MF Jesse Lingard, N/R -- Came on in place of Greenwood after 77 minutes, but couldn't alter the outcome of the match.
MF Scott McTominay, N/R -- Replaced Mata with a mere seven minutes of the 90 remaining.
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