Lakshay Khurana
Manchester United Player Ratings vs Palace
Van Gaal’s men pounded Crystal Palace easily by 2-0. Manchester United dominated the game at home with 66% possession against the Eagles and won the much needed three points putting them just two points behind their local rivals.
Alan Pardew’s side was left panicked in the early minutes when Damien Delaney made a poor touch to Darmian’s cross, which ended up at the back of his own net.
The early goal boosted the Red Devils’ confidence to win the game.
David De Gea:
The Spanish international didn’t have much to do against the Glaziers but kept his cool as usual when the team needed him to make a few routine grabs and saves.
Antonio Valencia : 6
Quick as usual at the right backup and had his man-marked throughout the game. He gave a good support to Lingard.
Chris Smalling: 7
The tall wall of United was at it again. Steady and composed. Handled the few attacks of Crystal Palace very well.
Dailey Blind: 7
Along with his centre-back partner, Blind didn’t have much defending responsibilities but made his impact by putting himself more towards the half-line, making short forward passes.
Matteo Darmian: 8
A Perfect game from him. The Italian was steady at defending and avoided Zaha to get into the box multiple number of times. His cross towards Lingard in the 5th minute of the game panicked Damien Delaney to make a bad touch into his own net. Also scored a stunning goal (his first for United) in the second-half from the edge of the box. Got booked.
Morgan Schneiderlin: 6
The Frenchman didn’t have much ball possession as he usually does but still managed to give a decent performance.
Jesse Lingard: 6
Lingard had a decent display as usual on the pitch. Needs to work on his finishing as he missed a chance to score in the both the half.
Juan Mata: 7
The Spaniard did well in the continuous attacks. His passes and movements helped United to keep ball possession. Mata controlled the game tempo well.
Wayne Rooney: 6
The skipper was consistent with his pin point passing and opening the game to flanks. Rooney found it hard to keep the ball to himself and was struggling to get a decent shot on goal.
Anthony Martial: 7
Threatened Crystal Palace extremely from the left flank but later lost his composure in the second half.
Marcus Rashford: 7
The youngster had a decent first half in which he had a few successful dribbles and made key passes.
Got substituted in the second-half as he looked tired. Like many of his teammates, Rashford struggled to score against Speroni as well.
SUBSTITUTES
Memphis Depay: 6 (for Rashford, 66′)
Was quick and did well on attack.
Ander Herrera: 5 (for Lingard, 73′)
Was not able to have much affect on the game.
Marouane Fellaini: 4 (for Rooney, 78′)
Slowed the game tempo.
