Manchester United boosted their chances of playing in the Europa League next term with a 3-0 win over Brentford at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane were the heroes for the home side, with the Portuguese pair netting in either half and the French centre-back also on target. And Express Sport will now take a look at five talking points from the contest.
There are plenty of players who need to leave United at the end of the season.
But Ronaldo isn’t one of them, with the Portugal international putting in a sublime performance on the night.
There’s been talk of a potential move away from United, with Real Madrid reportedly keen on snapping him up for just £10million.
Yet Ronaldo still has so much to offer and was a constant threat against Brentford, producing a display that had it all - including his goal from the penalty spot.
If Erik ten Hag was watching the game, he’d be no doubt thinking about keeping the veteran at the club for one more year.
Man Utd news: Cristiano Ronaldo and Juan Mata impressed during Brentford Premier League win (Image: GETTY)
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Juan Mata is a great human and a great footballer.
And it’s a shame that United just haven’t used the Spain international anywhere near enough during his time with the club.
This was Mata’s first start of the season and the former Chelsea and Valencia star caught the eye with slick passing, creative instincts and his ability to make things happen.
His contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
And it’s easy to imagine Mata doing well elsewhere given the talent he possesses and his professionalism, too.
David De Gea has been outstanding for United this season.
But his kicking clearly needs to improve, with some of his team-mates unhappy at his distribution during the contest at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo was one of them, with the Portugal international spotted berating his team-mate during the first half.
And Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof also issued complaints as well.
De Gea won’t be going anywhere this summer but, when it comes to getting the ball to his team-mates, he’ll need to improve in order to ensure he remains their No 1 during Ten Hag’s era.
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