Perhaps Manchester United’s worst game this season. The Red Devils struggled for 83 minutes to create or put away any chances. But with what is seemingly becoming a reoccurring theme this season, United came on strong late and tacked on three goals in the final 10 minutes to inflate the win to 4-0.
Paul Pogba was definitely missing in the midfield, and starting Juan Mata along with Henrikh Mkhitaryan meant that Manchester United were lacking some of the midfield muscle that has made them such a formidable force so far this season. Despite the scoreline, there was plenty United did wrong and can look to improve on.
Player Ratings
GK David de Gea, 9 — A wonderful display from one of the games best goalkeepers. Twice denied Rooney his precious goal from point-blank range on his return to Old Trafford.
DF Antonio Valencia, 8 — The winger-turned-right-back scored what could be the goal of the season. A wonder strike off the volley from outside of the box. United’s lone bright spot in the first half.
DF Eric Bailly, 6.5 — Cool and calm with the ball at his feet. Too many lapses in defense throughout the game but de Gea bailed the center back pairing out.
DF Phil Jones, 6.5 — Looked comfortable for most of the game, but the odd touch or misplaced header showed this wasn’t the Englishman’s best game.
DF Ashley Young, 7.5 — Another former wide man playing at full back — Young continued his great form from the midweek. Got forward and played in lots of dangerous balls.
MF Nemanja Matic, 7 — United’s ever-calming presence in midfield. Held up the ball, shielded the back line. Pushed forward to start counter-attacks.
MF Marouane Fellaini, 6.5 — After an impressive performance Tuesday in the Champions League, the Belgian struggled at times against his former club. He will be hard pressed to fill Pogba’s shoes.
MF Juan Mata, 7— Released Romelu Lukaku in the first half for what should have been a goal. Found himself lost in the midfield at times. Struck the post with a curled free kick. Replaced by Herrera at the 77′ mark.
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FW Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 7 — Sprung the counter-attacks whenever he could, however, his final pass was often lacking. Despite that, the Armenian turned it on at the end of the match and bagged himself a goal.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 7 — “Just a little banter,” Lukaku said when asked about his goal celebration. The Big Belgian was another ex-Toffee who struggled in the match. However, he silenced the heckling traveling fans when he tapped in Lingard’s flick-on. Also found Mkhitaryan for United’s second goal.
FW Marcus Rashford, 6.5 — The 19-year old certainly wasn’t lacking ambition today. He rushed forward and had an eye on goal — however, the goal never materialized. Subbed off for Lingard just past the hour mark.
Substitutes
FW Jesse Lingard, 7 — A change of pace substitution in the 60′. Lingard’s penalty was wrongfully waved off. Had the awareness to head the ball into Lukaku’s path for United’s third.
MF Ander Herrera, NR — The Spaniard should have started the match, but was brought on in place of Mata in the 77th minute to see the game out. Didn’t have time to make an impact.
FW Anthony Martial, 7 — “‘Tony Martial scores again!” The Frenchman replaced Mkhitaryan in the 88th minute. Made the most of his cameo — again. Great dribbling in the box to help earn a penalty which he calmly finished to put the cherry on 3 big points.
Next: The Middle Man: Why Mkhitaryan is better off deployed as a No. 10
With legend Wayne Rooney’s return to the Theatre of Dreams, anything could have happened in the match. Despite struggling, the Red Devils were ruthless in the final minutes. Another match that United would have drawn last season, but thanks to Valencia, Mkhitaryan, Lukaku, and Martial, Manchester United grabbed the three points with an emphatic 4-0 win.