Manchester United vs Astana player ratings: Mason Greenwood stars in narrow Europa League win

Are we calling them ‘Solskjaer’s Sprogs’ and ‘Ole’s Offspring’? Neither, perhaps. It is still a bit too soon for all that on this evidence, but just when Manchester United appeared set for a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign, one of the next generation found a way through.

On his ninth senior appearance and only his second start, the 17-year-old Mason Greenwood found a breakthrough 18 minutes from time and rescued Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from a dour goalless draw with Kazakhstani champions Astana.

The performance left something to be desired, but given this was United’s youngest European starting line-up for seven years, Solskjaer will take the three points and put the rest down to experience.

He named four inexperienced academy products in all. Axel Tuanzebe was trusted at centre-half, while winger Tahith Chong and nimble playmaker Angel Gomes started for the first time. But it was Greenwood - the most promising talent among this current crop - who made the difference.

Click through the gallery below to see how we rated the players at Old Trafford.

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