Abhranil Roy
Manchester United ‘s pre-season tour got off to a disastrous start as they crashed to defeat in Shanghai, as Borussia Dortmund ran out convincing winners in the International Champions Cup clash, despite Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s first goal for the Red Devils. Gonzalo Castro’s double, coupled with efforts from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele, earned the Bundesliga outfit an impressive 4-1 win over us. Although this was the German club’s 5th preseason match and the Red Devils have only been at it for just 15 days, yet there was no explicable reason for them to falter the way they did. Here are the player’s ratings from the game last night:
Sam Johnstone 5:
He was completely at fault for conceding the first goal, and again showed why United are so heavily dependent on David de Gea between the post. Made one decent save afterwards, though.
Antonio Valencia 4:
Was made the captain last night, but looked rusted and completely out of sorts. He made a needless handball after 20 minutes and Aubameyang scored from the spot.
Eric Bailly 6:
Showed good composure and anticipation last night, but needs to learn to control his temper a bit, was booked for kicking ball away.
Phil Jones 4:
Was horrible in handling his defensive duties, and was caught out of position for the cross that led to Dortmund’s freekick. Has a lot to work upon if he is to be Mourinho’s first choice.
Luke Shaw 5:
It was good to see him after running on that left wing again, after that horrible double leg break last year. Made some decent tackles as well.
Ander Herrera 5:
He was one of the few players who showed real purpose and intent last night, but lack of movement upfront and his own poor first touch let him down repeatedly.
Daley Blind 4:
The Dutchman was put in a defensive pivot role, where he had initially started his United career, but he failed to put in a performance of note.
Juan Mata 5:
The Spaniard was invisible in almost the entire game, except for the time he laid one for Mkhitaryan to tap in.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 5:
Largely anonymous in attack until he tapped the ball in just before the hour.
Jesse Lingard 4:
Should have scored in the 23rd minute, but shot tamely at the keeper. Hooked at the break.
Memphis Depay 4:
Started as the lone striker up front and was put through early on but failed to cross. Continues to underwhelm. Subbed at break.
Subs:
Sergio Romero (Johnstone, 46) 4, Marcus Rojo (Jones, 46) 3, Ashley Young (Lingard, 46) 4, Marcus Rashford (Memphis, 46) 5, Adnan Januzaj (Mkhitaryan, 66) 3, Paddy McNair (Blind, 66) 4, Andrea Pereira (Valencia, 75) 4.
