Romelu Lukaku netted a brace, and Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba both added goals to help see Manchester United win 4-0 over West Ham in the club’s first game of the Premier League season.
United thoroughly deserved the victory, and the feeling around the ground was that of great optimism. It was United largest Premier League opening win since 2006, and the sense is that this might be the season everything finally clicks.
Jose Mourinho had the team ready, and they put out a straight dominant performance against the Hammers.
Player Ratings
GK David de Gea, 6 — A relatively quiet afternoon for the Spaniard. Seldom called upon to make a save. Did well to stop Fernandes’ strike on the brink of halftime.
DF Antonio Valencia, 7 — Got forward well and supplied many an excellent ball. West Ham sat back for most of the game just inviting him to get forward.
DF Eric Bailly, 6.5 — Bailly did well to clear away the few crosses that West Ham managed to put forth. Bailly did well as an outlet to keep possession.
DF Phil Jones, 6.5 — Like Bailly, it wasn’t Jones most busy day at the office. Did well with the ball at his feet. Nearly took Valencia out of the match with a tackle in the first half, but otherwise a strong performance.
DF Daley Blind, 6.5 — Blind struggled this preseason, but you wouldn’t know after this match. Got forward well. Looked to shoot often. Played in a few dangerous crosses.
MF Juan Mata, 7 — Mata got the start over Ander Herrera and made the most of it. The little Spaniard was everywhere in the first half. Played a cutback for Lukaku who should have scored.
MF Nemanja Matic, 9 — Matic made an excellent start to his Old Trafford career. Cool, calm, and composed in midfield. Completely bossed the midfield with Pogba. What a signing for the club he will be.
MF Paul Pogba, 9 — A complete performance — one of the best he’s put forth in a United shirt. Dominated the midfield and scored with a superb strike from outside of the box.
FW Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 8 — Another positive display from the Armenian. Bagged two great assists — a great cross for Lukaku’s second and a perfectly timed through ball for Martial’s goal.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 9 — A dream debut for Lukaku. Scored in each half and could have easily netted a hat trick. His strength and speed make him nearly unstoppable. Should be proud of his performance.
FW Marcus Rashford, 7.5 — The 19-year old impressed once again. His speed was too much for Pablo Zabaleta. Should have scored at least once on the afternoon, however. Unlucky to hit the post with a fantastic strike.
Substitutes
MF Marouane Fellaini, NR — Fellaini was brough on in the 76′ to help see the game out. Didn’t have time to have an impact.
FW Anthony Martial, 8 — Fans were disappointed Martial started on the bench for this game. He made the most of his 11 minutes on the pitch. Grabbed a goal for himself before setting up Pogba.
Next: Atkinson: Mourinho should play Lukaku and Rashford together
FW Jesse Lingard, NR — Subbed on for Mkhitaryan in the 88′. Had no time to make an impact.