In spite of having a comfortable set of fixtures since Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, Manchester United have indeed scripted a stunning comeback under ex-Red Devils forward Ole Gunnar Solskjær, currently appointed as their interim boss for the remainder of the season. They were handed a shocking early exit in the EFL Cup against Championship outfit Derby County but managed to avoid any disappointment this afternoon versus Reading to kickstart their FA Cup journey.
The Royals, currently struggling deep down the drop zone in the second tier, had their moments. However, they fell short in front of the mighty Devils who claimed a routine 2-0 win banking on two first-half goals from Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku.
Below are the Manchester United players rated in their comfortable victory against Reading FC.
Sergio Romero: 7.5
The Argentine ‘number 1’ has been the understudy of magnificent David De Gea at Old Trafford but was handed a rare start in the Cup outing. He was tested a few times, particularly after the break and dealt with everything with great composure between the sticks.
Diogo Dalot: 6.5
The youngster started in his usual right-back role and looked impressive in the first half with timely overlapping runs and crosses while combining with Juan Mata. However, the introduction of Modou Barrow after the break saw him struggling defensively. The Portuguese got dispossessed a few times and lost duels frequently leaving space for the visitors to explore from the left flank.
Matteo Darmian: 7
Was not troubled much at the back. Needs to work on his long balls though he showcased great aerial and physical presence. Made some crucial clearances but should have been more accurate while going for tackles.
Phil Jones: 7
Had a comfortable outing as he was well-positioned and also helped to build the game up from the deep with his vision and experience.
Ashley Young: 7.5
Worked tirelessly down the left flank and was spot-on with his tackles on most occasions. His passing was exquisite as he kept on creating opportunities using the width of the pitch.
Scott McTominay: 8
Got dispossessed a couple of times but won 13 duels and succeeded in six out of seven tackles. Kept on orchestrating the game from behind with his passing traits and also switched it down the flanks creating acres of space in Reading midfield as well as the deep defence.
Fred: 7.5
The Brazilian, although having a difficult time in England following a summer switch from Shakhtar, enjoyed his game-time this afternoon with relentless running and link-up play with the frontline. His goal was disallowed for offside, but a review (via VAR) suggested that Juan Mata was brought down in the build-up by Omar Richards. The event took place inside the box and United were allowed a spot-kick which was calmly slotted home by Juan Mata. Fred was taken off just around the hour mark and got replaced by Marouane Fellaini.
Andreas Pereira: 6
The highly-rated youngster started in midfield but failed to impress despite having a few successful dribbles. Got dispossessed time and again and was unable to threaten enough while carrying the ball forward.
Juan Mata: 7.5
The veteran Spaniard won and converted a spot-kick midway through the first half. Lost duels, got dispossessed a few times but looked purposeful whenever he had the ball on his feet. Was taken off around the hour mark and got replaced by teenager Tahith Chong.
Alexis Sanchez: 7
Has improved his show under the new boss as the Chilean continues to impress while assisting Romelu Lukaku to double the lead. But the winger had a hamstring strain that forced him to make way for Marcus Rashford in the second half. Solskjær must be anxious now over the fitness of Alexis prior to next weekend’s Tottenham encounter.
Romelu Lukaku: 8
Scored in his third consecutive game now as his excellent finish late in the first half earned the Red Devils a much-needed insurance goal. Looked menacing inside the box with his movements and physicality and delivered exactly what is expected from a player of his calibre.
Substitutes
Marouane Fellaini: 6
The Belgian had a cameo for the final half an hour and helped his side settle things down to see out a victory.
Tahith Chong: 6
The youngster was a bit rusty while tackling but impressed with his distribution attributes.
Marcus Rashford: 5
Came on in place of Alexis Sanchez. Was not the best of his outings as he lost the ball frequently and lacked enough threat in the attacking third.
