Derby County 1-3 Manchester United: Player Ratings

GK. Manchester United. DAVID DE GEA. 6. Didn’t have much to do throughout the game and dealt comfortably with any balls hit at him. Couldn’t have done anything for George Thorne’s goal though. Kicking was sloppy at times, needlessly in giving away possession through some wayward clearances

7. Darmian’s injury meant the youngster was handed a rare run-out in the first team. The Uruguayan appeared unfazed throughout and his marauding runs gave the Reds a useful outlet down the right. His crossing was highly impressive and didn’t shirk his defensive duties either. With the clutter of injuries at fullback, the youngster could nail down his place in the squad with more performances like this. RB. Manchester United. GUILLERMO VARELA

CHRIS SMALLING. 6.5. Should have won the header in the build-up to Derby’s goal but made up for it with a colossal block to prevent a certain goal for the Rams in the first half. Bossed Martin well to ensure De Gea was little more than a spectator at times. However, with the defence looking shaky during some periods, the England International should have done a better job commanding his backline. CB. Manchester United

CB. Manchester United. DALEY BLIND. 7.5. United’s utility man put in an impressive display at the back with some key interceptions preventing the Rams from building up a head of steam. His passing was exemplary and deserved a well-taken goal after his adventurous run forward

Manchester United. CAMERON BORTHWICK-JACKSON. 6.5. Shows confidence and maturity way past his age and barely anything fazes the youngster. Pressed high and constantly looked to get the ball forward, the Mancunian is still raw but plays with the fearlessness of youth and should be praised for it. LB

MAROUANE FELLAINI. 5. The Big Belgian continues to look out-of-place even when the Reds play more positively. Always first to a ball in the air but contributes little when it’s on the ground and looks extremely uncomfortable in possession. Heavy first touch let him down repeatedly with another bad day at the office for the former Everton man. CM. Manchester United

MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN. 6. Similar to Smalling, should have done better in the build-up to the Derby leveler after leaving Thorne unmarked. Nevertheless, generally provided a good shield to his back four and looked calm in possession. Took the safest option too many times with his passing, which didn’t trouble the Rams at all. CM. Manchester United

6. Returned to the iPro Stadium after his loan spell here last year, the youngster endured a torrid first half where little of note worked for him. Improved a little in the second with his cross setting up Blind’s goal but apart from that had little to no impact on the game. RM. Manchester United. JESSE LINGARD

CAM. Manchester United. JUAN MATA. 6.5. Deployed behind Rooney, the Spaniard made barely impact in the opening forty-five with the first half largely passing him by. Grew into the game after the break and tried to link up play in several United attacks. Clinically put away the third goal, which gave the Reds a cushion and put the game to bed

8. Looked menacing from the start, the Frenchman was a constant livewire who ran at the Derby defence at every opportunity, his raw pace left the Rams hapless on more than one occasion. Setup the first and third for the Reds with the latter being the highlight. An incredible turn of pace left Christie in a heap and followed it up with a brilliant cut back for Mata to convert. <strong>Man of the Match</strong>. CAM. Manchester United. ANTHONY MARTIAL

7.5. Opened the scoring with a wonderful finish from outside the box, leaving Scott Carson with no chance. Has looked sharper in recent weeks with some intelligent movement. Several of United’s positive moments in the game went through him and with six in six, the skipper looks back in form. FWD. Manchester United. WAYNE ROONEY

Manchester United. MICHAEL CARRICK. 6.5. After sitting out the last few games with a foot injury, the veteran Englishman returned to the side in the second half replacing Schneiderlin. Improves the United eleven every time he plays, providing creativity from deep with his range of passing. Always calm in possession and started the move for the third with a brilliant direct ball to Martial. United have missed his presence in midfield. CM

Manchester United. ANDER HERRERA. 6. Replaced his compatriot, Mata moments after the latter scored United’s third. The Basque native had little time to impact the game but was efficient in possession, which helped United see the game off easily. CAM