Manchester United’s International Champions Cup campaign began with a shambolic 4-1 defeat against Thomas Tuchel’s Borussia Dortmund.
After bringing in a host of big names to Old Trafford, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was optimistic going into Friday’s International Champions Cup contest against Borussia Dortmund. However, as soon as the game kicked off, his side were second best in every aspect of the game, and eventually paid the price for their slack performance.
Gonzalo Castro opened the scoring for Dortmund in the 19th minute after the United defence made a mess of a set play. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put some daylight between his side and the opponents after doubling his side’s advantage in the 36th minute from the penalty spot. New signing Ousmane Dembele added a third in the second half, only for former Dortmund player Henrikh Mkhitaryan to pull one back for his new side. However, Castro hit the final nail into United’s coffin with an 86th-minute screamer to make it four.
Here’s how the players fared on the day:
Manchester United
Sam Johnstone: 4
The English goalkeeper had a night to forget as he conceded four goals and made some glaring errors throughout the course of the game. He is not expected to feature to a great extent in the remainder of the tour.
Antonio Valencia: 5
Was an imposing physical presence at times, but often forgot about his defensive duties, and failed to deal with the threat of Dembele on the right.
Eric Bailly: 5
Looked comfortable on the ball, but was often found losing his temper. Not the best of games for the new United signing.
Phil Jones: 3
It was one of the worst games for the English defender and he was fortunate that the game was of little significance.
Luke Shaw: 6
Arguably United’s best player on the day. Was solid at the back and put in a decent shift in the offensive third as well.
Daley Blind: 4.5
Was called into action in midfield but failed to execute what was expected from him.
Ander Herrera: 5
Was tireless throughout the game, but his passing in the final third did not pose a serious attacking threat to Dortmund.
Jesse Lingard: 4.5
Struggled to apply the finishing touches on the chances created for him.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 5
Apart from scoring his side’s only goal, the former Dortmund attacker did little to influence the game.
Juan Mata: 4
Played in his preferred position behind the striker, but failed to justify his place in the starting lineup. This performance may put his United career in serious jeopardy.
Memphis: 3
Was fielded as a lone striker and failed to improvise in a relatively unfamiliar position.
Borussia Dortmund
Roman Weidenfeller: 6
Was rarely called into action. There was little he could do to prevent Mkhitaryan’s goal.
Marcel Schmelzer: 6
Nullified the threat down Dortmund’s right and was solid all evening.
Sven Bender: 5.5
Was convincing at the heart of the defence, and rarely gave the opposition attackers room to have an attempt on goal.
Sokratis Papasthathopoulous: 6
Was a more than able defensive partner as he kept Memphis quiet for the entirety of his time on the field.
Felix Passlack: 5
His inexperience at the top level showed as the 18-year-old seemed a bit shaky. However, he can soon develop into a promising young footballer.
Sebastian Rode: 7
Put in a tireless shift in midfield, as he bullied Blind and Herrera to build attacks for his side.
Gonzalo Castro: 8.5
Scored a brace, and pulled the strings for Dortmund from midfield.
Adrian Ramos: 6
Was pacey and energetic in the match and his intensity saw Dortmund maintain a high tempo throughout the game.
Shinji Kagawa: 5
Did little to impress against his former side.
Ousmane Dembele: 8
The new signing showed exactly why he was bought with a skillful individual goal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 8
Scored the second goal of the contest, and constantly kept the United defenders on their toes.
