Pravir Singh
Manchester United Player Ratings vs Place
An absolutely pathetic display from Manchester United as they failed to score for a third consecutive game. Crystal Palace will feel they were unlucky not to take all 3 points. David De Gea made some fine saves once again and some poor finishing from Palace ensured United kept a clean sheet. If you’re not going to shoot, you’re not going to score, it’s pretty simple. Yet United players seem happy to pass sideways or backwards. Yannick Bolasie and Yohan Cabaye did a good job for their side and nearly won it for the Eagles. Van Gaal needs to take a good look at his tactics and philosophy as this was just abysmal from United. If they continue playing like this, they won’t win a trophy for a long while.
Player Ratings:
David De Gea- 7.5
Made a finger-tip save to deny Bolasie early on in the match. Was called into action a few times in the opening 20 minutes but did his job well. Denied Dwight Gayle with his legs later on in the second half.
Matteo Darmian- 5
His poor run continued tonight. Didn’t have a particularly impressive first half. Zaha was switched to the left-hand side and caused Darmian a lot of problems. Was eventually replaced by Ashley Young.
Chris Smalling- 7
Smalling did was pretty solid once again. One of the few bright spots for United in an otherwise poor display.
Daley Blind- 7
A return to the starting XI for Daley Blind and he did a relatively good job. It’s going to be interesting to see whether he keeps his place ahead of Jones next week.
Marcos Rojo- 6.5
He did well against Zaha in the first half. However, he was up against Bolasie in the second and he struggled a bit.
Morgan Schneiderlin-5.5
United had more of the ball in the first half, but he wasn’t able to exert much influence as the game went on.
Bastian Schweinsteiger-5.5
Nothing noteworthy about the German’s performance tonight. He did pass the ball well, not giving away possession cheaply.
Juan Mata-5.5
Mata had a few little moments of brilliance however he couldn’t make a major impact on the game and was eventually replaced by Lingard.
Ander Herrera-5.5
Herrera too had a few moments but was pretty subdued in the second half.
Anthony Martial- 6
Had a chance to win it for United but saw his shot blocked by Delaney. As usual he looked to take players on and he was much more threatening in a central position. Eventually he was told to play through the middle, but a little too late.
Wayne Rooney- 5.5
Another disappointing performance by Wayne Rooney. It seems like he’s been told not to shoot. His best chance was when he ran in behind and looked to be through, only for Hennessey to come to Palace’s rescue.
Substitutes:
Ashley Young-7
Playing at right-back, he was always in the right position defensively. Saved United with a crucial tackle and then a clearance of the back post to deny Zaha.
Marouane Fellaini- 5
Had no impact on the game whatsoever.
Jesse Lingard-5.5
Lingard looked eager to make things happen but couldn’t create much of an impact.
