Syed Shaiban
Liberty was the venue where Jose Mourinho had to bring his Devils with the expectation and belief of only winning. United had won only one game in six previous league games and the pressure was mounting. On the pitch, though, from the first whistle, the men in red looked at ease. Phil Jones featured at the back having not played a competitive match in more than 4 months whereas Carrick partnered Fellaini in the central midfield. Matteo Darmian started as left back and Ashley Young as right back.
Paul Pogba gave the away side an early advantage after a thunderous half volley showing pure class and technique while Zlatan’s Ibrahimovic’s tidy brace extended the side’s lead. Van Der Hoorn got a consolidation goal for the home side after United failed to handle a set piece.
Here’s how they’ve been rated after a convincing victory :-
GK : David De Gea – 6/10
Didn’t have much work to do on the pitch. He could have done nothing to prevent the goal after his team failed to clear away a free kick.
RB : Ashley Young – 7/10
An unfamiliar position but credit goes to Young for doing an impressive job. He kept Montero at bay and ventured forward to trouble the opposition’s defence frequently.
CB : Phil Jones – 6/10
Looked rusty but maintained composure.
CB : Marcos Rojo – 6.5/10
Rojo was hardly tested in the game. Seems to have impressed the manager!
LB : Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Has played in the left back role under Louis Van Gaal earlier but still considering that it wasn’t his natural position, the Italian did well. He got forward whenever he got the chance and didn’t have much trouble in defence.
CDM : Michael Carrick – 7/10
Once again proved that he can be an integral player of this team. Rotated the ball well, pitched in time and again to retrieve the ball and play it forward. His sharp incisive passing to kept the ball ticking. An impressive performance from the veteran midfielder!
CM : Marouane Fellaini – 6/10
Used his strength well but he didn’t have competition at all.
CM : Paul Labile Pogba – 7.5/10
Stomped forward throughout the game and looked like a threat several times. Another fruitful performance from the rising star.
RM : Juan Mata – 6.5/10
A decent game for Juan Mata where he did a tidy job. Nothing spectacular but it’s always good to be productive to the team.
CAM/LM : Wayne Rooney – 7/10
Contributed twice in terms of assists and had a very good game against a woeful Swansea team.
ST : Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 8/10
Brought another dimension to the team and he proved it again. Took chances well and banged in two important goals. Could have avoided a yellow but a reckless challenge means he will miss the game against Arsenal.
