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HUDDERSFIELD, England – Manchester United has no hope of being among the top four places after a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield already relegated.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team extended their winless run to five games after Isaac Mbenza's second-half tie-up canceled Scott McTominay's opening scoring. The result, combined with Chelsea's win over Watford at Stamford Bridge, has sentenced United to the Europa League for the third time in six years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Before the kickoff, Huddersfield had lost 22 of his last 24 games in all competitions, but he had managed to sign in the Premier League at the John Smith stadium with a well deserved point. It seemed that McTominay's second goal of the season, after eight minutes, would keep United's hopes alive in the Champions League until the last day of the season, before Mbenza scored a tying goal after 60 minutes. 13 seconds after a United corner on the other end.
The goal also extended United's 14-game shutout wait – their worst game in a 16-game series in 1970.
Good points
The future of Juan Mata is still uncertain, but he pleaded for a new contract Sunday. The Spaniard found a small gap between Huddersfield's defense and his midfielder to fight his way through all that was good for United in the first half. Solskjaer may not see him as a regular starter, but his vision and passes offer something different, especially against teams who want to keep the men behind the ball.
The negatives
Alexis Sanchez had a rare chance to impress, but that was another missed opportunity. Gary Neville said before the kickoff that Chile had "nothing left" and that it was difficult to argue after watching the 30-year-old fight for 55 minutes against a relegated team since a long time. Nothing in Sanchez's display against Huddersfield indicated the player that he was in Barcelona or Arsenal. It was a blessing for Solskjaer that an ankle injury ended his afternoon early in the second half.
Rating of the manager out of 10
– 6
United's manager made three changes: McTominay, Phil Jones and Alexis Sanchez for Ander Herrera, Eric Bailly and Romelu Lukaku. The game follows a well-known recent trend: United started well before getting tired in the second half and did not create anything meaningful. Solskjaer needs the season to end and start again in summer.
Player's Notes (1-10; 10 = Best Players Introduced After 70 Minutes Receive No Notes)
GK David De Gea, 7 – He saved his feet when Karlan Grant was sacked and another of Grant in the final minutes.
DF Ashley Young, 6 years old – Her performance from a set kick was dangerous, but she struggled to advance in the open game.
DF Luke Shaw, 5 – He was doing well before completely missing Jonas Lossl's long start-up field, giving Mbenza the opportunity to qualify to tie the game.
DF Phil Jones, 5 – In the team with Chris Smalling, there was only enough room for a spot on the bench. Well in the air, but too many mistakes in the ball that offered chances to Huddersfield.
DF Victor Lindelof, 6 – Back on the floor where he had a nightmare last season. Well done to overtake the Mbenza club at the first post in the first half. Left injured.
MF Nemanja Matic, 6 years old – He broke the game in midfield and tried to advance the ball when he could. Replaced by Ander Herrera at the beginning of the second half.
MF Scott McTominay, 7 years old – Starting for the first time since Barcelona, he was hit in the middle of the field, then a few seconds later shot in a left-foot shot squirming under Lossl.
Mr. F. Paul Pogba, 6 – Hit the crossbar twice, first with a head and again in the final stages with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
FW Juan Mata, 7 – Held his place after scoring against Chelsea. One of the only United players to get credit after a positive first half.
FW Alexis Sanchez, 5 – Returned to his first start since March 2 and presented another performance that leaves one wondering what's wrong. The afternoon has ended with an ankle injury.
FW Marcus Rashford, 6 years old – Had a golden chance to put United in the lead, but deflected his shot from the center of Mata. Made a lot of races, but nothing came out.
replacements
MF Ander Herrera, 6 years old (for Nemanja Matic, 54 years old) – Battled in the middle.
FW Tahith Chong, 6 years old (for Alexis Sanchez, 54 years old) – Rhythm and energy added.
DF Victor Lindelof, 6 years old (for Diogo Dalot, 83 years old) – No time to make an impression.
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