Syed Shaiban
Manchester United and Jose Mourinho welcomed back West Ham at Old Trafford but this time, the occasion was a cup tie where a winner was guaranteed. The match was all about United with only one incident going West Ham’s way. Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke the deadlock with a Henrikh Mkhitaryan assist while Ashley Fletcher equalised for the hammers.
United hit back in the second half through two goals coming from Anthony Martial, who got himself into good positions. Old Trafford cheerfully welcomed back the German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger and the match was finished with a Zlatan Ibrahimovic finish set up by Ander Herrera. An extremely satisfactory night for United who kept their cup journey alive.
GK : David De Gea – 5/10
Didn’t handle Payet’s goal and was a spectator for the majority of the game.
RB : Antonio Valencia – 7/10
Did wonderfully against Payet and got forward like a threat at every given opportunity.
CB : Phil Jones – 7/10
Displayed terrific reading ability and was like a calm presence at the back.
CB : Marcos Rojo – 7/10
Hardly put a foot wrong and tackling ability was on point. He is proving almost everyone wrong with precise and effective performances nowadays.
LB : Luke Shaw – 6/10
Was subbed off due to injury after halftime but till when he played, it was a decent performance.
CM : Ander Herrera – 7/10
Got an assist to his name and did his job quietly but effectively.
CM : Michael Carrick – 6.5/10
Silent game but effective as usual. The veteran midfielder is showing his class week in week out!
CAM : Wayne Rooney – 7.5/10
Played a part in almost every attack and was extremely selfless. A harsh booking that could have been avoided.
RW : Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 8.5/10
Making a significant impact which shows as to why he should start definitely in the first team. Got two assists to his name and looked a threat every time he got the ball.
LW : Anthony Martial – 8/10
Got into good positions for both the goals he scored and was very clinical. Made good runs and threatened from the left flank. A very sweet night for the Frenchman.
ST : Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 8/10
Excellent hold-up play and vision with two satisfactory goals. The Swedish player of the year is surely now a fan favourite.
