While the blue side of Manchester embraces it’s manager’s style and sees their team-leading England, the red half has been very well in the open chasing them and despite the doubts, they’ve done reasonably well. Jose Mourinho’s men faced a defeat at Huddersfield but they have to hit back against one of the toughest teams in the league in the form of Pochettino’s Spurs and they certainly did that. A late goal from Anthony Martial swung the gripping came in United’s favour and handed them a massive boost. Here’s how they’ve been rated:-
GK: David De Gea – 7.5/10
Unlike several of the games where he saves his defence, he was shielded magnificently by his defence today and he had to only ensure that two chances in the first half didn’t go past him. A clean-sheet is huge against Spurs.
RWB: Antonio Valencia – 7/10
Matched Alli incredibly well and didn’t let anything dangerous come from the left. Needs to improve his end product but overall, he was really good.
CB: Eric Bailly – 8/10
Physically he didn’t let anyone ruffle him and he dug out United bravely on few occasions. He kept his composure nicely on the ball as well.
CB: Chris Smalling – 8/10
Solid and responsible in the centre. Jose and the United fanbase would be proud of him today.
CB: Phil Jones – 8/10
Hardly put a foot wrong and complimented his defenders perfectly. He’s been immense for United and he continued his form with another top display today.
LWB: Ashley Young – 9.5/10
His aggression, intent and passion reflected in every action of his. Pompous and terrific. Kept a tight grip on the proceedings of the left side and his class outshone Aurier. What a game for Young!
CM: Ander Herrera – 7/10
He ran his lungs out and put pressure on Spurs in the midfield all afternoon. Kept the ball ticking as well.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 8.5/10
No one could match him today and he put up an emphatic display in the second half. Bossy and completely in control.
CAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4/10
Sadly, he was the worst player on the pitch for United. He couldn’t thread simple passes through. He really needs to improve as the side needs him at his best.
FW: Marcus Rashford – 7/10
He attacked as much as he could and was crucial in stretching the defence of Spurs for a long time. He was substituted in the second half but he showed intent and desire which would have pleased the manager.
FW: Romelu Lukaku – 8/10
He tried immensely hard to shrug off his Belgian mates and his efforts reaped the reward when his header provided the perfect layoff for martial to finish. An assist at a time United needed it the most!
Substitutes:-
CAM: Jesse Lingard – 6/10
Failed to finish off the game for United right in the end. Otherwise, he got the much needed energy into the midfield and tried to influence proceedings. Decent from the bench.
FW: Anthony Martial – 9/10
Began to link up with his teammates immediately after coming on and he kept his composure to finish the glorious chance which he got from Lukaku’s header. A priceless goal.
LWB: Matteo Darmian – N/A
Came on very late and cannot be judged.
