Manchester United needed a morale-booster after a draw against Wolves in the Premier League but the week got from bad to worse as Derby County defeated the Red Devils on penalties after playing a great game of football. Goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini went in vain as Jones missed his penalty kick to hand the victory over to Derby. Here’s how Jose Mourinho’s men have been rated after a disappointing night.
Sergio Romero – 6/10
Made two great saves in the match to keep Manchester United ahead until a silly judgement from his side got him the red-card for handling the ball outside his area. A tale of two halves indeed!
Diogo Dalot – 6/10
Average throughout the game but his neat cross picked out Fellaini for United’s second goal.
Eric Bailly – 6.5/10
Alert and flexible to dangers and he did perform well tonight. Jose Mourinho might consider taking the Ivorian back into the first team.
Phil Jones – 4/10
Looked rusty while defending but he was good on the ball. Missed a decisive spot kick to heap more misery on the entire club.
Ashley Young – 5/10
Nothing extraordinary about him tonight and in fact, he was very mediocre. He couldn’t deliver the long balls we expect from him either.
Ander Herrera – 6.5/10
Responsive and tidy in the midfield and did step up with energy whenever the team needed it tonight. He was subbed off later on in the second half.
Nemanja Matic – 6/10
Composed on the ball and did play a part in shielding the defence but it was not a high-quality performance from the Serbian.
Juan Mata – 7/10
Took his goal beautifully and it was sad that he had to be sacrificed to bring in Lee Grant after Romero’s red card. It was a good display from the Spaniard today.
Jesse Lingard – 4.5/10
He was average today and did not trouble the opposition defenders with his runs. Manchester United need him to step up badly.
Anthony Martial – 7.5/10
He was Manchester United’s best player on the pitch. His offensive dribbles were a nightmare for the Derby defence, and he played a considerable part in the first goal. He almost contributed to a lot more, but the chances were not taken.
Romelu Lukaku – 5/10
He had his chances, and he hit the post once, but that was it. Again, Lukaku didn’t threaten a lot, and even though his hold-up play was good, the club can expect more from the Belgian.
Substitutes
Marouane Fellaini – 7/10
He brought in desire and the energy and equalised brilliantly at a crucial time for the team. It’s a pity that the goal had to go in vain due to the loss.
Fred – 4/10
Mediocre and ineffective.
Lee Grant – 6/10
Made a great save after coming on to keep a Derby header at bay but he could have tried more with the penalties as he couldn’t even save one.
