One win in six Premier League games, with mounting pressure on the manager, Jose had to take Manchester United to southern Wales and nothing but a win would have sufficed. Swansea City are experiencing a struggle of their own so far but for a team like United, they’re expected to bounce back and deliver when needed and that’s what they did.
Right from the whistle, the team looked at ease and well set. Phil Jones having not played a single competitive match at this level for over 3 months came into the starting eleven surprisingly while Michael Carrick partnered Fellaini in the midfield. Matteo Darmian played as left-back and Ashley Young as right back. United found their groove immediately and the game plan kicked in.
On a day when they had to close down the gap considering that their rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Spurs dropped points, they did well. Paul Pogba’s brilliant shot outside the box displayed class and technique and put United ahead and then it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s clinical brace to end the half. The second half saw Manchester United sit back and they conceded a goal through a free kick where Van Der Hoorn gave the home side some consolidation.
Here’s how the Red Devils have been rated after their convincing victory over the Swans :-
GK : David De Gea – 6/10
Wasn’t troubled much at all and watched like a spectator. Was helpless as Manchester United failed to deal with the free kick which cost them a goal.
RB : Ashley Young – 7/10
Makeshift right-back and credit goes to Young for doing a good job. He won the duel overall with Montero and didn’t have much to do in the defence department. He marched forward time to time to trouble Swansea.
CB : Phil Jones – 6/10
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Hasn’t played a match for months but he looked at ease at the back but rustiness was there as well. Could have done better to prevent the goal but it is a good return for the Englishman.
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 defense.
