Manchester United waltzed to a comfortable 3-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday lunchtime at Old Trafford thanks to a wonderful team performance.
Louis Van Gaal left Juan Mata and Ander Herrera out of the side, opting to start Adnan Januzaj and Wayne Rooney in midfield with Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao up front. After a high-tempo start, United controlled the ball well and took their chances to ensure three points.
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A midst all the wonderful play, there were some fine individual performances on the day. We asked Manchester United fan Finn to rate the player’s performances. You can follow him on Twitter @FutbolFinn.
*****
David de Gea – 6/10
One of the Spaniard’s quieter afternoons this season, untested for the majority of the game. Denied David Nugent well after a Phil Jones error, but will be disappointed to not have kept a clean sheet after Wasilewski claimed a headed consolation goal.
Antonio Valencia – 5.5/10
Valencia kept Rafael out the starting line-up once more as he started from right back. He defended well but his limited skill set continues to frustrate many United fans when attacking. Poor decision making and crossing led to the breakdown of countless attacks.
Phil Jones – 6/10
Like the United defensive unit as a whole, untested for the most part. Nonetheless a sloppy error played David Nugent in on goal, and he also lost Wasilewski at the back post for Leicester’s goal. Given the recent rumours of United looking for a new centre-half, Jones will need to perform much better than this if he wants a future at the club.
Marcos Rojo – 7.5/10
After a recent run of good form for Rojo, he impressed once again at Old Trafford. Another assured performance from the Argentine. Relished the physical battle with his compatriot Ulloa, and came out on top. Beginning to look a shrewd bit of business.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
Promising performance from left back. Attacked at will down the left flank, linking well with Januzaj in the first half. Created a good opportunity for van Persie only for it to be wasted by the Dutch striker.
Daley Blind – 8.5/10
A man of the match performance from Blind, playing at the base of the diamond. Always available to receive the ball and screened the defence extremely well. Produced an exquisite assist for van Persie to set United on their way and got the flick on which led to Wes Morgan’s own goal.
Wayne Rooney – 5/10
Arguably the worst player on the pitch today. Looked uncomfortable on the right of the diamond. Played Schlupp in on goal in the first half and passed loosely all afternoon. A performance to forget for the skipper.
Ángel Di María – 6.5/10
Deployed as a number 10 after being played as a striker for the past few games, Di María looked to trouble the Leicester defence, but ultimately was wasteful for the 90 minutes. Performance summed up by his miss to make it 4-1 right at the death.
Adnan Januzaj – 7/10
As speculation begins to grow surrounding Januzaj’s future, van Gaal chose to start him for the second game in a row. He grew in to the first half as the game progressed. Linked well with Shaw in the first half. Some neat passing, but his crossing disappointed at times.
Robin van Persie – 7.5/10
After coming under a lot of recent criticism, van Persie will have been pleased by a good showing capped off with a clinical half volley. Did very well in the build-up to the second goal too with a fine pass to Di Maria. Looked lively until he was replaced by Paddy McNair in the 68th minute.
Radamel Falcao – 7.5/10
van Gaal kept faith in Falcao after a lacklustre showing in the Cambridge game and the faith paid off. The Colombian made some penetrating runs and could easily have had a brace. A classic number 9’s goal is sure to have pleased van Gaal. Four goals in Falcao’s last seven Premier League starts now and he looks to be growing in confidence.
SUBSTITUTES:
Paddy McNair – 6/10
Replaced Robin van Persie in the 68th minute. Played out of position at right back, but the youngster looked comfortable for the duration of his time on the pitch.
Juan Mata – 6/10
There were a few raised eyebrows over the omission of Mata and he was given little chance to strut his stuff. Replaced Valencia in the 77th minute.
James Wilson – 6/10
A cameo performance for young Wilson against Leicester, wasted a half chance but looked lively when he came on.
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