Manchester United enjoyed a really good pre-season and lost narrowly in the super-cup to Real Madrid and you can bet that they were geared up and ready to host West Ham United at Old Trafford as the Stretford end got its first taste of this newly favoured season.
Manchester United showed intent right from the first minute and launched waves after waves of attacks. A quick counter saw Romelu Lukaku open his tally on his debut and United rallied ahead without a stop. Another goal from Lukaku and a goal each for Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba saw the reds annihilate the Hammers. Here’s how Jose’s Red Devils have been rated after a fabulous victory:-
GK: David De Gea – 7.5/10
A brilliant start for De Gea on his 7th season at Old Trafford. He made a reactive save as the half drew to a close and hardly put a foot wrong as the match wore on. Clean-sheet is a huge boost!
RB: Antonio Valencia – 6/10
Booked and not threatening like he usually would be from the right but he enjoyed a decent game as the captain of the club.
CB: Eric Bailly – 6.5/10
Should reduce the amount of the times he fouls and gets a card but once again retained solid shape to ensure that his team did not concede.
CB: Phil Jones – 6.5/10
Kept Hernandez in check and pitched whenever his team needed. Phil Jones has a bright season ahead if he can manage to keep himself fit.
LB: Daley Blind – 7/10
His intelligence and movement along with superb ball control added another dimension to United’s attack from the left. Defensively really good to keep Ayew away.
CDM: Nemanja Matic – 9/10
What a signing for Jose! He was everywhere on the pitch resurrecting United’s possession by winning balls back, buying freedom for others, keeping the flow of the game and rallying himself like an engine throughout. Matic has brought in so much to United’s midfield and their fans would only hope that he carries on this way.
CM: Paul Pogba – 8/10
He was in control right from the beginning and pushed past players with genuine ease. Got himself a goal late on in the game but it’s exactly what he deserved. BEAST!
RAM: Juan Mata – 7/10
Superb display overall and put on a sparkling show of creativity. He’s going to be an asset whenever United need a result.
CAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7.5/10
Two assists today and a remarkable display operating through the centre.
LAM: Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Should improve with his end product otherwise, he was dazzling on the left. He deserved a goal but that wasn’t to be. He ensured Zabaleta was on his toes all evening.
ST: Romelu Lukaku – 8.5/10
Looking back at last season, United needed that cutting edge and conversion and Lukaku is undoubtedly that man and he proved it today. His two clinical goals made United romp ahead confidently and finish the game on a high. Brilliant on his debut!
