Manchester United travelled to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea yesterday night looking to seal a passage through to the next round of the FA Cup. The Red Devils sat back and tried to hit the Pensioners on the counter. The away team took the lead in the 31st minute courtesy of Ander Herrera’s finish from close range. Paul Pogba doubled his side’s lead just before half-time when he scored with a powerful header.
Both teams battled tooth and nail in the second half but couldn’t add to the goal tally as the match finished 2-0 in favour of Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men.
Let’s take a look at how each Man United player performed during the game against the Pensioners.
GK: Sergio Romero – 7.5/10
The Argentine keeper made a couple of good saves during the match to earn a well-deserved clean sheet for his team.
RB: Ashley Young – 6/10
Although, the question marks remain over his ability to defend, yet he still managed to provide some width on the right flank.
CB: Chris Smalling – 7.5/10
The English centre-back managed to stop the threat of Gonzalo Higuain which is no easy feat. He commanded his box well and did enough to secure a shut-out at the back.
CB: Victor Lindelöf – 7/10
It was another solid display from the Man United defender. He didn’t make too many errors during the game and did his defensive duties well when put under pressure.
LB: Luke Shaw – 7/10
He was always willing to track back and deal with Pedro’s threat down the wide areas. Shaw was a little bit more restrained than usual going forward.
CM: Ander Herrera – 8/10
The Spaniard was full of energy and enthusiasm in midfield. He took his chance well to give his team the all-important lead.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 5.5/10
The Serbian midfielder was lucky not to be sent off during the game. He gave away too many fouls and looked a bit rusty while defending his half.
CM: Paul Pogba – 8.5/10
It was another productive performance from the Frenchman. He just cannot stop scoring or contributing since Solskjær’s arrival at Old Trafford. It was once again the case tonight as he set-up Herrera for United’ first goal before scoring himself to give his team some breathing room just before half-time.
CAM: Juan Mata – 5/10
The Spanish playmaker failed to make an impact in the opposition half. He needs to benched if Solskjær’s side are to be more productive in the attacking end of the pitch.
ST: Marcus Rashford – 7/10
The English forward worked his socks off and picked out Pogba quite accurately when delivering the final pass for Man United’s second goal of the contest.
ST: Romelu Lukaku – 5/10
The Belgian centre-forward never looked like he had a goal in him. He was always too slow when the chances fell to him inside the Chelsea penalty area.
Substitutes:
ST: Alexis Sanchez – 6/10
The Chilean was full of energy and effort but lacked productivity in the final third.
CAM: Andreas Pereira – 5/10
He came on to provide a fresh pair of legs in midfield.
CM: Scott McTominay – N/A
Not enough time to make an impact.
