Manchester United 1-0 Sheffield United: Player Ratings

Manchester United endured a frustrating evening against Sheffield United in the FA cup on Saturday as the Red Devils scrapped a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

The home side were unable to break the resilent defence of Sheffield in both halves and got a lucky decision in the final minutes to decide the game.

After a very dire 90 minutes, United won a penalty in injury time which was converted by Wayne Rooney and they were through to the next round. However, manager Louis Van Gaal admitted that the performance was not good from his players as the following ratings asses every United player.

David De Gea (7/10)

The Spaniard probably had his easiest game this term. He was hardly tested by the Sheffield attackers. His distribution was also pretty decent. He added yet another clean sheet to his name this season.

Cameron Borthwick Jackson (6/10)

The teenager got his first experience in the FA cup as he slotted in well at left back. For as first senior start, Borthwick-Jackson was solid defensively but will have to improve when going forward as he was not able to deliver decisive balls in the final third.

Daley Blind (8/10)

The Dutch international continue to flourish in the centre back role as he has done all season. Blind was commanding while defending as he won the duels and also made key interceptions. He brought the ball out well from the defence and almost racked up one more assist as he played a long diagonal ball to Bastian Schweinsteiger in the box.

Chris Smalling (7/10)

Smalling delivered a consistent performance as he has been doing throughout the season. The centre back dealt with Billy Sharp and was very good in one-on-one situations. The 26 year-old also shifted into midfield to keep the ball ticking over when United were looking for the breakthrough.

Matteo Darmian (8/10)

A very good game for the Italian after a recent slump in form. The right-back was very good defending and also industrious while going forward as he delivered a number of good balls in the box. He played some lovely through balls directly to Wayne Rooney for which the latter should have done better to finish the move off.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (6/10)

A quiet game for the German captain. He kept the play ticking in the middle of the park and should have finished a good chance when put through by Blind. He picked up a knee injury at the end of the game making him doubtful for next fixture but luckily he was able to get through until the final whistle.

Maraoune Fellaini (6/10)

The midfielder was back into starting eleven after missing out in the last two games. He worked hard throughout the game but couldn’t create much for his team-mates. The former Everton man played further in an advanced role in second half but was not effective in the box. Will be back on the bench against Newcastle United this week.

Anthony Martial (7/10)

The young forward continues to be the only bright spark in a timid Manchester United attack. He tried to create opportunities for the team by being more direct in the final third but often lost the ball. He got a shot blocked in the second half which could have sealed a better win for the home side but again tried his best like always.

Ander Herrera (5/10)

A very disappointing game for the Spaniard. He was anonymous throughout the game and hardly created anything for his front man. The box-to-box midfielder often misplaced the passes which allowed Sheffield to ignite a counter. He was eventually substituted at the hour mark summing up a frustrating evening for the former Bilbao midfielder.

Juan Mata (5/10)

Mata also had a poor game just like Herrera as he was not able to get a grip in the game. The 27 year-old was not able to be creative in the final third. Surrendered possession more often than not and was eventually subbed for a dire performance.

Wayne Rooney (6/10)

The Manchester United captain was isolated upfront for most of the game but made some good runs between the lines. It was his finishing that let him down when the players tried to find him with a good pass in the final third. He scored a good penalty to grant United a crucial win.

Next: Scholes slams Manchester United display

Substitutes:

Memphis Depay (7/10)

The 21 year-old brought more directness in the final third as he tried to take on his man and create space for his team-mates. He won the important penalty and looked like a player who should start against Newcastle United.

Jesse Lingard (6/10)

He was isolated on the right flank but worked hard whenever he was on the ball.