A blistering 4-0 win against Chelsea to kickstart the campaign uplifted the spirit among the Manchester United faithful despite a dismal 2018-19 season. But they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves at the Molineux on Monday night and suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace this afternoon at the Old Trafford.
Below are the Manchester United players rated in their disappointing defeat against Crystal Palace.
David De Gea: 5
Could have done little to deny Jordan Ayew as the Eagles scored against the run of play by taking advantage of United’s sloppy defending. Was beaten at the first post by Patrick van Aanholt in the stoppage time which ensured Palace’s famous win on the road.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 5.5
Made some overlapping runs from the right flank but lacked the composure against his former side while whipping in the crosses. Lost a few duels, struggled against the long balls and must improve his overall display to justify the price tag.
Victor Lindelof: 5
Should have done a lot better to stop Jeffrey Schlupp from heading it into the path of Jordan Ayew who made no mistake in slotting it home. Was decent otherwise but the damage had already been done.
Harry Maguire: 5.5
Was poor in his positioning and should not have allowed Ayew to make a free run before his decisive strike. Remained largely untested otherwise as the hosts kept on pushing for an equaliser after the break.
Luke Shaw: 6
Had a positive start to the game but was forced to leave the pitch just over the half-hour mark with a hamstring problem. Club captain Ashley Young was brought into the action to replace his fellow countryman.
Paul Pogba: 4.5
An afternoon to forget for the French hotshot as he failed to create enough menace from the middle of the park. His final deliveries lacked the edge and got dispossessed scandalously in the final minutes which led to Van Aanholt’s winner against the run of play.
Scott McTominay: 7
Was lively and looked purposeful. Created a few chances from midfield and went on to win a spot-kick which, however, was not converted by Marcus Rashford. Was taken off to be replaced by Juan Mata late in the game.
Daniel James: 7.5
The Welshman had a slow start but improved immensely with time and earned the Red Devils an equaliser in the closing minutes with a stunning finish. But all his efforts went in vain when they conceded in the final seconds to drop all three points in front of the home crowd.
Jesse Lingard: 5.5
Failed to make a difference once again from the ‘number 10’ role and was taken off minutes before the hour mark to be replaced by teenager Mason Greenwood.
Marcus Rashford: 6.5
Tried his best to break down the Eagles’ defence and opted to take the spot-kick following Pogba’s wasted opportunity against Wolves. The Englishman, however, was utterly unlucky as his strike hit the woodwork and went out of the play.
Anthony Martial: 6.5
Played his part in James’ goal and tried to create space inside the Palace box with his runs, link-up play and swift footwork. Looked worn out in the final moments of the game.
Substitutes
Ashley Young: 5.5
His set-pieces were not up-to-the-mark and struggled defensively at times against pacy Wilfried Zaha.
Mason Greenwood: 5.5
The 17-year-old prodigy had a stunning pre-season but could not make any significant impact this afternoon despite glimpses of promises.
Juan Mata: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
