Manchester United 3-0 Cambridge United – Player Ratings
Manchester United cruised into an FA Cup 5th round tie against Preston North End on Monday week thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and James Wilson at Old Trafford.
In an impressive team performance from Louis Van Gaal’s men, the side dominated play throughout and in the end were barely troubled by their League One opposition.
With such a good performance all-round, there were some outstanding individual performances too.
David De Gea (7/10)
Assured between the sticks as ever. De Gea’s only task was in the opening minute, when he shut the angle down well on Tom Elliot forcing him to try and bend the ball around the ‘keeper, where he hit the post. Cambridge never had another look in while the Spaniard’s distribution was excellent throughout. Four clean sheets in six games now for Big Dave.
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Paddy McNair (9/10)
Superb performance. McNair is an attacking midfielder, turned central defender playing at right-back tonight and was the best player on the pitch. His constant bombarding down the wing caused problems for Cambridge all night long and while he didn’t register an assist or grab a goal, his confidence grew even more as the night went on. A really solid performance from the 19 year old and he did himself no harm if Van Gaal was considering his role in that position against West Ham on Sunday.
Chris Smalling (7/10)
Smalling was once again had a good performance under Louis Van Gaal. The 25 year-old was strong in the tackle and surprisingly assured on the ball as the central defenders had little to do all night. He won the aerial duels for the majority of the night to ensure that United kept the pressure on and has given the boss a selection headache ahead of the West Ham clash with Phil Jones struggling for form at the moment.
Jonny Evans (6/10)
The now third longest serving player at the club after Darren Fletcher’s departure this week, Evans grew into this game. He had a few shaky clearances in the opening 20 minutes and struggled with Tom Elliot’s physicality in the early exchanges but overall had a fairly comfortable evening. Brought the ball out well from the back and helped the Reds to build their attacks,
Marcos Rojo (8/10)
As Michael Owen constantly reminded us on BT Sport’s amazing commentary, this game was built for the attacking full-back. With United’s formation generally a narrow diamond, it allowed Rojo and McNair to bomb forward as they did to great effect. The Argentine was whipping crosses in for fun all night and got himself on the scoresheet with a good header. His first goal for the Reds and he’s proving to be a shrewd signing for £16 million.
Daley Blind (7/10)
Another fine performance from the Ajax prodigy. A horrifying moment in the opening minute almost gifted Cambridge a goal, only for Elliot to strike the post. After that though, Blind took control of the game and used his passing range and composure to ensure play continued to tick over and that the pressure remained high on Manchester United’s opponents.
Angel Di Maria (8/10)
A complete contrast to his performance in the first meeting between these two sides, Di Maria was bang up for this game tonight. The Argentine dribbled with the ball well and showed his energy levels throughout as he constantly lifted the tempo of the attacks for Van Gaal’s side. A lovely cross for Fellaini helped to set up the first goal while his dangerous corner kicks also led to Rojo’s finish. Was officially voted Man of the Match on the Manchester United Twitter account although my vote goes to Paddy McNair.
Wayne Rooney (6/10)
Probably United’s worst performer on the night, Rooney seemed rusty. His passing was wayward, he lacked the drive to get into the box and score goals and just generally didn’t run so much but picked the ball up and moved it along. Had a great chance in the first half on the counter attack where he sprinted the length of the pitch to catch up to Di Maria, only for the Argentine’s cross to land perfectly on his right foot for the volley but be dragged out wide. Summed up his night. Will need to be better against the Hammers.
Juan Mata (8/10)
He’s often criticized for his form away from Old Trafford, but tonight at the Theatre of Dreams it was the Juan Mata we all know and love. The little Spaniard dominated the game from the tip of the diamond, dictating the tempo of the attacks and floating behind Fellaini and van Persie throughout the evening. Got his goal after once again ghosting into a position that strikers are usually in and continued his fine record for the Reds. Another top performance.
Marouane Fellaini (8/10)
The Belgian’s name on the teamsheet was met with a grown on social media as fans quickly realised it meant Ander Herrera wouldn’t be present from the start. He quickly helped to change their minds with another fine performance, using his physical strength to give United a direct route closer to the goal. The game plan was clearly built around him, getting the ball up field and winning the second ball. He was involved in the goals in the first half before a subdued second half performance. Well worth his place in the side at the moment.
Robin van Persie (7/10)
A strange game for van Persie tonight. The Dutch striker looked sharp off the ball, his movement excellent and always showing for the ball. However in front of goal he struggled to make an impact. He didn’t get the greatest service and cut an isolated figure at times but did his job well overall. Grabbed himself an assist for Rojo’s goal and will be happy with his overall performance.
SUBSTITUTES:
James Wilson (7/10)
Wilson replaced van Persie after 66 minutes, with the England youth international looking to build on his good form. He made a near instant impact, slamming home a powerful strike into the bottom corner just eight minutes after coming on. His passing was good and his movement getting better, he really is a star in the making.
Ander Herrera (7/10)
Herrera didn’t do much when he came on, but he showed his quality immediately. An assist for Wilson’s goal and the dictation of the passing in midfield became evident as soon as he was introduced, with plenty of one touch passing and moving apparent further up-field. His performances continue to leave everyone bamboozled at Louis Van Gaal leaving him out of the team.
Ashley Young (N/A)
The England man made his first appearance since dislocating his shoulder against Stoke on New Year’s Day, replacing Marcos Rojo late on. He made some good runs and put in some decent crosses but didn’t have significant time to make any real impact on the game.