It was a classic FA Cup tie that saw Cambridge United take on the mighty Manchester United; and had a fast and furious start as Cambridge showed they were not afraid of their opposition.
The match was scoreless at half-time and van Gaal had a real job on his hands to kick start United for the second half of the game. A promising start to the second period however withered away and United were evidently frustrated at the lack of chances.
All in all it was not the performance Louis van Gaal wanted, and certainly not the one most people expected given the strength of his starting lineup and the options available to him on the bench. The League 2 side were very impressive and should be proud of themselves. United on the other hand should be gravely disappointed.
David De Gea – 6/10
The Spaniard initially had some difficulty dealing with the arial balls fired into the box. Hearts in mouths on the 30 minute mark as the crowded penalty area saw the ball tipped over the bar with De Gea struggling to get close to it. For much of the game however, his defence dealt with the threats so he had little to do otherwise. Called into action late on as Cambridge rallied as they earned a draw. No real mistakes but it was not a confident performance.
Antonio Valencia – 5/10
Cambridge preferred to attack through the middle and he had little to do for much of the game. Did showcase his pace when going forward without any end product of note. Calls for a penalty when he pushed over a Cambridge player inside the box but the referee decided not to give the penalty much to Valencia’s relief. Anonymous at times.
Phil Jones – 6/10
Made a great tackle early on to deny Cambridge a shot on goal in a dangerous situation inside the box. He performed well at the back for most of the game, despite the waves of Cambridge attacks that United had to endure in the second half. Raised a few eyebrows when he was placed on corner duty despite the obvious options available to van Gaal. Gradually assumed a more pressing position as United searched for a goal but did not achieve anything of note in this role.
Marcos Rojo – 5.5/10
Very much suited to the physicality of these kind of cup games, and dealt relatively calmly with the Cambridge attack in the first half. He had a go at going forward himself but his shot was saved after a mazy run. As the game wore on he looked more shaky and was guilty of a few defensive errors which Cambridge seized upon to almost punish United.
Daley Blind – 6/10
Had some early defensive duty to attend to and did so comfortably. Also had a really good chance after 10 minutes, cutting inside the box from the wing. Unfortunately for him, he was the victim of a sublime nutmeg. Nevertheless; gave United options going forward just as much as proving dependable in defence. Taken off late on for Shaw, he should be happy with his contribution compared to most of his teammates.
Michael Carrick – 6/10
Captain for the night as Rooney did not make the team. Dictated the game but possibly should have played it forward through the middle a bit more than he did. Did his fair share of defending when he needed to, preferring to play the ball back to De Gea when under pressure. Put a great ball into to Falcao that saw the Colombian’s shot tipped just over the bar. Gave away a free kick with 2 minutes to go as Cambridge looked at their most dangerous. Luckily the opportunity was not taken.
Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
Showed his physicality throughout, nothing unusual there from the Belgian midfielder. Hence, he was the first player into the book for a strong challenge 25 minutes in. Careless in possession at times. Subbed just after the hour for Herrera, amongst boos from a hostile home crowd who hadn’t taken to his bruising style of play.
Adnan Januzaj – 6/10
With a point to prove, looked to get forward at every opportunity but did not have much luck. Was a questionable high-leg that could have led to a booking but he escaped. Tried a clever low shot on his weaker foot from just outside the box but couldn’t get enough power on it. This happened again in the second half, a reminder of his naivety. Guilty at times of slowing the play down. Redeemed himself slightly by making an important tackle to stop a quick Cambridge counter attack. Needs another game to prove himself to the manager.
Angel Di Maria – 5/10
Put the ball out of the ground at one point in the first half, an indication of how inaccurate he was at times in the game. This included putting a great free kick opportunity over the bar at the end of the half. Should have put away his chances and made a few heavy touches which gave the ball away. Did not justify his massive price tag, being worth more than the entire Cambridge team combined. Should be perhaps the most disappointed.
James Wilson – 4/10
Had a quiet start to the game, most of the attacking threat came from strike partner Falcao supported by Di Maria. Good work rate throughout despite his difficulty in being involved. Booked for a bad high tackle and taken off for van Persie. Should have done much better and was rightly subbed, but it should have been earlier.
Radamel Falcao – 5/10
Was the main focus of attack and had mixed success against a physical Cambridge defence. Showed his skills in the air as well as the ground but with no end product. Perhaps realising his future is still being decided and he needed to make his case. Almost scored when he latched onto a good ball from Carrick but was denied by Cambridge goalkeeper Dunn. In total however, not his best game by a long shot.
SUBS:
Ander Herrera – 6/10 (For Fellaini on 66′)
Hoping to recreate his cup heroics against Yeovil in the last round. Put Valencia in but was disappointed to see the end product fail to materialise. Definitely had an impact as he gave United more to work with, putting in van Persie who headed narrowly wide. I feel the game could have ended differently had he started instead of Fellaini. Louis van Gaal will have taken note I’m sure.
Robin van Persie – 5/10 (For Wilson on 66′)
Replaced the struggling Wilson as both quality and experience were desperately needed. Took his place alongside Falcao for an imposing strike-force on paper. Blew his first chance by putting it high over the bar from close range. Did not have the impact desired, something of an unwanted pattern this season.
Luke Shaw – N/A (For Blind on 85′)
Came on with 5′ to go so didn’t do enough to get a rating.
MOTM: Nobody deserving in a Manchester shirt at least. At a push, Carrick or Blind.