The defending champions of the FA Cup hosted a team under the stewardship of a legendary centre-back as an opposition manager as Jaap Stam returned to Old Trafford with Reading. Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils were looking to stretch their winning run to eight consecutive matches and did that in some style. It wasn’t a special return for the Stam as United cruised to victory on a memorable day at Old Trafford. Here’s how the players performed.
1) GK: Sergio Romero – 6/10
Had to wait 91 minutes to warm his gloves as Reading registered their first attempt on target. He was hardly troubled otherwise. A clean-sheet still is a positive.
2) RB: Ashley Young – 6/10
Occasionally marauded forward and delivered a few quality balls but otherwise he too was hardly disturbed defensively.
3) CB: Chris Smalling – 6.5/10
Came back into the side benching Phil Jones and he stuck to his job making the most of his physical strength. A decent job at the back from the English international.
4) CB: Marcos Rojo – 5/10
He was subbed off early after suffering an injury. United fans would be anxious as the Argentine has been in superb form.
5) LB: Daley Blind – 5.5/10
His awareness and pick-outs are only matched by Michael Carrick but Blind still needs to work a lot on defending. He got outdone a few times and was lucky to escape a booking.
6) CM: Michael Carrick – 7/10
A bleeding head was still not enough to stop the veteran as his sensational display and vision coupled with the soothing calmness set the platform again for United to venture into attack without any worries. Carrick was just superb today and he got a deserving assist for Rashford’s opening goal.
7) CM: Marouane Fellaini – 6/10
Did what he was asked to do. Kept the pressure on centrally whenever Reading came forward and maintained his discipline. A decent performance from the Belgian.
8) CAM: Wayne Rooney – 7.5/10
Got into a good position to open the deadlock and he’s equalled a milestone today. Rooney and the fans would be thoroughly pleased with his performance today!
9) RM: Juan Mata – 6.5/10
Probably the only United player who was a little below par today. Got an assist but he needs to up his game as there are too many players vying for that spot.
10) LM: Anthony Martial: 8.5/10
Today’s display from this young French talent was frankly his best performance this season as he showed signs of his old version, the version United saw last season. He was not shy at all to take on defenders and embarrass them and he played a major part in the first two goals. United fans would only hope that this consistency is maintained.
11) ST: Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Worked really hard for his two goals and his commitment as well as his pressing reaped the rewards as he scored after months. Several positives to take but he needs to work a little more on his finishing as well.
