Manchester United 3-0 Shrewsbury: Player Ratings

SHREWSBURY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22 : Chris Smalling of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1 during the Emirates FA Cup match between Shrewsbury Town and Manchester United at New Meadow on February 22, 2016 in Shrewsbury, England. (Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images)

Manchester United delivered an assuring performance against Shrewbury Town to go into the sixth round of the FA cup on Monday. The goals from Chris Smalling, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard gave the Red Devils a good start to a tough week. They will now face West Ham United at Old Trafford in the next round.

Louis Van Gaal made three changes in the starting eleven that faced FC Midtjylland on Thursday. Cameron Brothwick Jackson and Guillermo Varela came back in the back line for Paddy McNair and Donald Love. Morgan Schneiderlin replaced Michael Carrick to partner Ander Herrera in the midfield. This performance can be a good boost for the team ahead of tough fixtures. Here is a look on how each player performed against Shrewsbury Town.

Sergio Romero (7/10)

The Argentine continued to take place of David De Gea in goal because of the latter’s knee injury. Romero was hardly tested throughout the match, but did his job perfectly when called upon. He was also very good in his distribution as he played a key role in the build up of third goal. He is unlikely to keep his place in the next game due to de Gea’s return, but the Argentine has hardly done wrong when given a chance.

Cameron Brothwick Jackson (7/10)

The teenager came back after an illness didn’t allow him to play the Europa League tie. The left black was very good while going forward as he provided the necessary width on the left hand side by delivering good crosses in the box. He hardly suffered a problem while defending as he dealt the Shrewsbury’s right flank in an effective manner. He was subbed at half time due to a injury.

Chris Smalling (8/10)

The English man was solid at the back, winning every duel and making vital interceptions. The centre back almost scored at the start of the game when he powered a free header over the bar, but later chipped in with the first goal as he stayed upfront after the set piece and somehow hurried the ball into the net. He enjoyed a good outing as he was hardly tested by the forwards.

Daley Blind (7/10)

Blind moved back into the heart of the defense after playing as a left-back on Friday. The former Ajax midfielder was very good defensively. He was never troubled as he won the individual duals. His distribution was better than Smalling and he played the ball effectively into the forwards. He was also very good with delivery of the corners as one of the improvised corners almost led to goal in second half.

Guillermo Varela (7/10)

The Uruguayan returned after a knock he suffered while playing for U-21 team. He was impressive in the first half as he kept on bombing forward on the right flank, trying to help the team in the final third. He was subdued in the second half as he kept defending well throughout the match. Another good outing for the right-back.

Morgan Schneiderlin (7/10)

The former Saints midfielder kept the play ticking in the middle of the park for Manchester United. He kept it simple and tidy as he made crucial interceptions. His passing was also efficient and he shielded the back four very well. He also got an assist to his name when he headed the ball towards Smalling for the first goal.

Ander Herrera (7/10)

Herrera endured a good game after a long time without one in a United shirt. The former Bilbao midfielder played a key role while driving the team forward in the final third. His passing and tackling were tidy. He played a delicious pass to Jesse Lingard which wrapped up the things for United. A very good performance by the Spanish midfielder.

Memphis Depay (7/10)

The Dutch winger is getting back his confidence with every passing game. He was lively in the final third throughout the game. He has his freekick blocked by his own teammate Anthony Martial, which could have given Depay a deserved goal in the match. He was constant menace on the left flank and had some good shots saved by the Shrewsbury goalkeeper.

Juan Mata (8/10)

After a disappointing performance in the defeat against FC Midtjylland, Mata was very good against Shrewsbury. The Spanish international was finding pockets between the back four of the hosts. He played some delightful passes to create opportunities for his teammates. He curled a brilliant freekick at the end of second half to double United’s lead.

Jesse Lingard (7/10)

Lingard was rusty against Shrewsbury town as he was kept quiet on the right flank. The 22 year old was not able to get his shots on target in the first half, but came back well in the second half. He continued his goal scoring streak with a very good finish in a tight situation. He almost got himself a brace but his touch betrayed him for the second attempt on goal.

Anthony Martial (7/10)

The Frenchmen was quiet based on his standards. He was lively in final third and got his brilliant solo effort stopped by the Shrewsbury goalkeeper. He had better chances in the second half but couldn’t quite finish those. He was eventually substituted in the second half to give him some rest ahead of crucial games in the next week.

Next: Mata praises United's attitude

Substitutes-

Joe Riley (7/10)

A good debut for the teenager. He slotted well at the left back and was a threat while going forward.

Andreas Pereira (6/10)

The Brazilian was trying to make things work in the final third but couldn’t get himself on the scoresheet. His linkup play with Depay was impressive.