It was a classic case of attack vs defence as Manchester United snuck a late victory in the 91st minute via Marcus Rashford goal. The Tigers would be welled up in disbelief as they were 2 minutes away from effecting what would have probably been the defensive display of the season come the end of the campaign. But it was not to be as the new era witnessed its own ‘Jose time‘, causing heartbreak to Hull City.
We take a look at how the Manchester United players performed on the night.
DE GEA: 6/10
Had little to do as all the action was condensed on the other side of the pitch. Needed to be focused though to deal with the odd corner or a long cross.
VALENCIA: 7/10
Fast establishing himself as United’s go-to man on the right wing especially while attacking. Played as a virtual winger but will have sterner defensive tests in the future.
BAILLY: 6.5/10
Has been extremely calm and composed thus, far hence raising the expectations sky-high. Dove into a few unnecessary tackles, which looked out of place from the impressive new signing. Will be pleased with a clean sheet in tough conditions, though.
BLIND: 7/10
Smalling’s name amongst the substitutes is an ode to Blind’s consistent displays in the centre of the defence. And on the evidence of his performance tonight he is set to feature for another string of matches at the English International’s expense.
SHAW: 6.5/10
Defended resolutely and made an important intervention in the first half as he outmuscled Robert Snodgrass to deny him a goal. Always provided an outlet up the pitch though his attacking sharpness was missing tonight.
FELLAINI: 7/10
Got booked early on for a rash challenge but was surprisingly disciplined thereon. Building up an impressive partnership with Pogba and seems to be resurrecting his United career gradually. He was always available at the end of Hull’s clearances in the latter stages and quickly moved it on to the attackers.
POGBA- 7.5/10
Had a better first half in comparison to the 2nd. He drove forward with the ball in the first half and though was quieter after the break, was not shy of peppering the goal with shots. Unfortunately, did not have his scoring boots on.
MARTIAL: 5/10
May have run out of opportunities after another ineffective display. Does not seem to be on the same wavelength as the other attackers and seems to be lacking his sharpness after a long summer with France. Probably needs a rest to refuel his engine.
ROONEY: 7/10
Was not the most effective till the decisive moment in the 92nd minute when he evaded the defender in the box and squared for Rashford to poke the ball in. Put in an energetic display and in hindsight a good move by Mourinho to keep him on while making the substitutions.
MATA: 6.5/10
Worked hard as in all the other matches but was the obvious candidate to be replaced in the quest for shaking things up.
IBRAHIMOVIC: 6/10
A rare frustrating evening for the Swede as he missed two opportunities to put Manchester United ahead in the first half. Though he executed a couple of flicks and neat touches, fared well below expectation on the night.
SUBSTITUTIONS
MKHITARYAN: 7/10
Injected much needed pace and energy replacing Martial. Managed to unsettle the Hull defence with a couple of penetrating runs. Might have booked a starting place for the Manchester derby after the international break.
RASHFORD: 7.5/10
Was dangerous every time he got the ball. Showed a lot of confidence and surely put out a statement to the England selectors (who have recently demoted him to the Under-21 squad) by scoring a winning goal for Manchester United with the likes of Ibrahimovic and Pogba on the pitch.
SMALLING: NA
