Manchester United are losing the grip in the ‘top four’ race following an array of dismal performances in recent weeks. They had to bounce back this evening against Tottenham Hotspur and the majestic Cristiano Ronaldo sealed all three points single-handedly with a sensational hat-trick at the Theatre of Dreams.
Below are the Manchester United players rated in their edgy 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
David de Gea: 6.5
Made the correct guess but failed to reach Harry Kane’s shot from the spot. Could have done little to stop Maguire’s own goal in the second half.
Diogo Dalot: 7
Grabbed a start ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Looked impressive down the right with his timely overlapping runs, crosses and link-up play. Also defended quite well against Spurs’ wing-play as well as long balls from the deep.
Raphaël Varane: 7
A strong defensive display from the Frenchman. Spot on with his tackles, won the duels and his positioning helped the Red Devils maintain composure in the heart of the backline.
Harry Maguire: 6
Made some crucial blocks, interceptions and no-nonsense clearances. The skipper, however, failed to keep things calm under pressure as he scored a silly own goal to level things up in favour of the visitors.
Alex Telles: 7.5
Was unlucky to concede a spot-kick. But he looked purposeful down the left with his overlapping runs, crosses and dribbling attempts. Set it up for Ronaldo from a corner who headed home to complete his hat-trick and secure all three points from this thrilling encounter.
Nemanja Matic: 7.5
Stayed deep to marshall the defensive line and script swift attacking transitions. Made some key recoveries and interceptions but got dribbled past on a couple of occasions. Looked fatigued late in the game and was eventually taken off to be replaced by Edinson Cavani.
Fred: 8.5
Impressive from the Brazilian who looked sharp with his movement, passing and dribbling traits. Worked tirelessly throughout the contest and never let the visitors dominate the game in the centre of the pitch.
Marcus Rashford: 6.5
Tried his best to make an impact down the right, but the Englishman failed to make a noteworthy contribution before making way for Anthony Elanga midway through the second half.
Paul Pogba: 6.5
Operated as a ‘number 10’, but his work rate remains a problem. Got dispossessed a few times and was not strong enough while engaging in duels. Showed more purpose towards the end while defending the narrow margin.
Jadon Sancho: 8.5
Set it up exquisitely for Ronaldo’s second of the evening. Another lively outing from the left-hand flank with his swift footwork, runs and directness.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 10
Still going strong at 37 who fired in a long-range stunner early into the game. Scored again from Sancho’s cross and his stunning header in the closing minutes ensured all three points. Made way for Victor Lindelof late in the match.
Manchester United Substitutes Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Anthony Elanga: 6.5
A decent cameo from the teenager as he showed his spark from the flank.
Edinson Cavani: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Victor Lindelof: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
