For both players and spectators, the Europa League match between Manchester United and Barcelona was a roller coaster ride that ended in a 2-2 draw.
Jules Kounde did not have an “up.” Manchester United’s quick-thinking offensive move sent the defender spinning, and everything went “down.”
Kounde scored an own goal after Bruno Fernandes’ shot bounced off him after he was moved out of position for Marcus Rashford’s first goal.
The worst thing happened when he tackled Rashford while the score was 2-1 and he was through on goal. He didn’t get sent off.
Who Scored gave Jules Kounde a score of 5.9 and FotMob gave him a score of 6.1, making him Barcelona’s worst player statistically.
Goal’s player ratings gave him a 4/10, while Barca Universal gave him a 5.5/10. Mundo Deportivo says that it would be hard for him to perform worse.
He now faces a new difficult challenge at Old Trafford—possibly an impossible one—of stopping a Marcus Rashford who is playing well.
Kounde acknowledged in the press conference prior to the game that it would require teamwork to stop the Manchester United striker.
He has been even more dangerous at Old Trafford, netting 24 goals and providing eight assists thus far this season.
United once lost to Sevilla under Jules Kounde in the Europa League semifinals in 2020, which Rashford captained. The Frenchman knows that it is conceivable.
Rashford is much more risky in 2023 because he has already played more games than the season average with three months left to play. It is not necessary to reiterate how difficult playing against Kounde is.
