Louis van Gaal named a strong Manchester United team to face struggling League One outfit Yeovil, including a start for Radamel Falcao and also keeping the ever-present David De Gea between the posts. Di Maria and Mata were on the bench to provide attacking reinforcements if needed, and they were it turned out.
A really spirited performance from Yeovil wasn’t enough as United proved too good for the League One side; with the goals coming from Herrera and Di Maria. Herrera had a really good game, and scored a magnificent goal to cap his good evening.
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The real issue from the game was the lack of defensive quality shown by United, and something that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Another area that needs work is passing, even basic short passes were being misplaced and this will not go unpunished against a fellow Premier League side. Finally, communication needs attention. While De Gea is able to marshal his defence, the defence itself struggle to talk between themselves. Credit must be given to Yeovil for giving United a tricky tie to navigate.
David De Gea – 7/10
Confident as usual, especially in the first half against a surge of Yeovil attacks. Otherwise very little to do. Will be wondering why his defence was so poor today, no doubt van Gaal will be wondering the same as well.
Paddy McNair – 6/10
Involved in a clash of heads defending a corner leaving the young defender with a bandage on his head for the rest of the game. Ended the first half a villain in the eyes of the home crowd after appearing to commit a handball. Had a better second half, as United slowly grew into the game.
Chris Smalling – 5/10
Allowed Yeovil’s Moore to get in on goal in a really dangerous moment thanks to a bad flick on from Evans. No communication between the defenders it seemed. Smalling also put two footballs on the roof, akin to playing football on the playground at school. It would appear that that level of football would suit Smalling best it has to be said.
Tyler Blackett – 5/10
Part of the defence under siege for lengthy spells of the game, and appeared fairly able to deal with it. Nothing special however in a game that the defence appeared to struggle in. He and the other defenders hurried their clearances for much of the game, leading to problems as Yeovil nearly always got the ball back and tried their luck again.
Rafael – 4/10 (Subbed ’45)
Not his best performance by a long shot, his crossing appeared to be a problem at times. He did make a few attacking runs but overall, very disappointing. Went off at half-time with a suspected fractured cheekbone according to Louis Van Gaal.
Ander Herrera – 8/10 (MOTM)
The introduction of Mata eased his job of providing attacking options, and if anything helped him further. He scored a beautiful goal, from a Darren Fletcher pass. This kicked United into gear and they began to play much more confidently and looked a whole lot more dangerous than they had done before. Almost added a second to his name in the last few minutes. Looked at ease for much of the game and very quick on his feet that caused the stubborn Yeovil defence some trouble that few other United players were causing.
Darren Fletcher – 7/10
Controlled the midfield, looked composed as United grinded out the win. Made some important tackles and helped support a struggling defence. Was guilty of some poor passes it must be said, but did do his best to keep things solid which was a difficult task at times.
Luke Shaw – 3/10 (Subbed ’45)
Struggled against a strong Yeovil attack, some poor touches as well. One included knocking the ball over the line for a throw in when it was at his feet and under little pressure. Inexcusable. Rightly substituted at half time, although Van Gaal claims it was yet another ankle injury that forced him off.
Wayne Rooney – 8/10
Good days work from the captain, always looked to get on the ball and make something happen. Played a big part in both the goals. Also, his defending must be applauded too. His one downside would be a couple of misplaced passes. He was not alone in this however, as most of the team made at least one bad pass.
Radamel Falcao – 6/10 (Subbed ’58)
Seemed uncomfortable with the physicality of the opposition at times but the Colombian did his fair share of defending. In terms of attack, mostly quiet. Substituted before the hour for Di Maria.
James Wilson – 7/10
A good shift by the youngster, including setting up a shot for Rooney with a lovely flick in the first half. Looked confident and showed moments of real class. I am, and surely van Gaal is also, really impressed with his work-rate. I hope he can build on this performance.
SUBS:
Johnny Evans (’45 for Shaw) – 6/10
First action of the game after coming on was a diving header as Yeovil continued their siege. Had a low point when his header fell to Moore of Yeovil who thankfully scuffed his shot. He improved the defence slightly but it was a team effort and the team as a whole must be questioned on the liability of defending by all today.
Juan Mata (’45 for Rafael ) – 7/10
Added more of an attacking threat, something clearly missing from the first half, dictating play. When not playing the role of provider, he was making runs himself. Looks to be continuing his run of good form in an effort to retain his place despite Di Maria’s apparent return to fitness.
Angel Di Maria (’58 for Falcao) – 7/10
A big presence at both ends of the pitch, even clearing a Yeovil chance off his own line. Later scored a cheeky chip for the second goal that wrapped it all up. This performance looks promising for the Argentine playmaker who will be a welcome return in the Premier League campaign, the much needed minutes helping towards a permanent return from injury problems.