Manchester United rose to the fifth place as they shrugged off the challenge of struggling Middlesbrough. Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia bagged a goal each as the Red Devils maintained their long unbeaten run in the Premier League. Rudy Gestede’s goal gave a late scare to the visitors for a while but the hosts couldn’t keep up the pressure.
David De Gea (7/10)
Didn’t have to do much apart from a save of Gaston Ramirez. The shot-stopper was pretty decent and looked confident.
Antonio Valencia (7.5/10)
One of the best players to be present on the pitch. He was playing in the right wing back position as Jose Mourinho opted for a three-man defence. His forward runs on the right flank were excellent. He was rewarded with a goal after he pounced on the mistake of Victor Valdes.
Ashley Young (7/10)
Started in the left wing back position and fared pretty well in the new role. His role was crucial to dictate the speed of the game. It was his cross that led to Fellaini’s goal.
Eric Bailly (6/10)
Was initially struggling but later he made up by making some valuable interceptions.
Chris Smalling (7/10)
Was pretty good with his defensive attributes. He kept Alvaro Negredo in check. But he failed to clear the ball properly and as a result, Gestede pulled a goal back for Boro.
Phil Jones (6.5/10)
Defensively gave a more than average performance. Got a needless booking after he shouldered Negredo while trying to clear a ball.
Michael Carrick (6/10)
Was in the control of the midfield. Rotated the possession in the midfield and worked relentlessly as an extra shield in front of the defence.
Marouane Fellaini (6.5/10)
Used his physique and height to dominate the Boro players. Scored with a pinpoint header to give United a much-deserved lead.
Juan Mata (7/10)
Used his trickery very well to create a few chances.
Jesse Lingard (8.5/10)
Probably the best player for United against a resilient Boro. His intelligent running behind the Boro defence created a lot of space in the opposition attacking third and the goal was the result of that. Combined well with Rashford upfront.
Marcus Rashford (7/10)
Could have scored few goals had he been able to convert those chances.He needs to work on his finishing.
Substitutes
Marcos Rojo (6/10)
United shifted to a four-man defence after Rojo’s arrival and he was solid on the left side.
Anthony Martial (6/10)
Couldn’t do anything special as he rarely had the ball.
