Manchester United Player Ratings: United suffer first league defeat at Huddersfield
Manchester United needed three points to keep pace with Manchester City in the title race. However, the English giants came up short as Huddersfield walked away with one of the largest wins in club history, defeating United 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Phil Jones went off injured early in the first half, and replacement Victor Lindelof was shaky at best, having a hand in both of Huddersfield first half strikes. Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan would come on at half; and even though Rashford pulled one back, it was too little, too late for the Red Devils.
United now sit five points back of league leaders Manchester City. The offensive firepower has seemingly dried up, and United must figure things out quickly or City will run away with the league.
Player Ratings
GK David De Gea, 7.5 — De Gea had little to do with Huddersfield opening two goals. The Ballon d’Or nominated keeper made an excellent point-blank save in the first half, and was confident with the ball at his feet.
DF Antonio Valencia, 7 — Valencia ran rampant along the right flank as usual. Defensively exellent, but his crosses were off today.
DF Phil Jones, 6 — Stop if you’ve heard this before. Phil Jones left the match injured in the first half, and the game was changed from there.
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DF Chris Smalling, 6 — Miscommunication with Jones replacement, Victor Lindelof, left Huddersfield ready to pounce. Nearly scored an equalizer at the death.
DF Ashley Young, 5.5 — Young has been great at right-back in recent weeks, however, today he couldn’t put in a decent cross to save his life.
MF Nemanja Matic, 6 — Matic played his usual role in the United midfield. He sometimes forced the issue too often. Definitely missed having Pogba as an outlet.
MF Ander Herrera, 5.5 — Poor game from our player of the year last season. Shots were errant and wide. Struggled to link up with the rest of the team.
MF Jesse Lingard, 6.5 — Lingard found himself playing as a No. 10 to start the match. He was a source of energy and burst forward on the break, but his final passes were often lacking quality.
FW Juan Mata, 5 — Mata was a non-factor in the first half. Isolated on the right-wing he was subbed for Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s pace in the second half.
FW Anthony Martial, 5.5 — Martial needed to be taken on at half. He could have easily been sent off in the first 15 minutes. Disappointing to not see him take advantage of this opportunity.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 7 — Isolated for most of the match, Lukaku never quit working hard. His late cross to Rashford for the teams only goal was all on the back of his effort.
Substitutes
Victor Lindelof, 4 — Horrible afternoon by United’s first sub. He was directly involved in both Huddersfield goals. Looked like he had no confidence on the day.
Marcus Rashford, 7.5 — On for Rashfor at halftime, he was direct and dynamic. His header nearly sparked United to a comeback.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 6 — Brought energy in the second half, but it still wasn’t enough to break down a resilient Huddersfield.
Final thoughts
The last think Manchester United could afford to do this afternoon was drop points — lastly lose. But that’s what happened. An opportunistic Huddersfield side pounced on both opportunities for goals, and United were stagnant in attack.
Next: Scott McTominay signs new contract with Manchester United
Last week’s parking of the bus by Jose Mourinho has seemingly stalled United’s attack. Now five points back of City, United are in desperate need of Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly returning to the team.