Manchester United saw off Derby County in their FA Cup clash at Old Trafford, thanks to late goals from Lingard and Lukaku. Mourinho started a strong team but found it difficult to penetrate a resilient Derby defence with poor finishing letting them down when they did manage to do that. However, they were rewarded for their efforts when Lingard scored a scorcher in the 84th minute before Lukaku finished off a fine counter-attack to seal the win for United.
United started positively, with Lingard firing just over from close range after excellent work by Pogba inside 3 minutes. Rashford really should’ve put United ahead when he headed Mkhitaryan’s cross from 5 yards onto the post and then squandered another chance minutes later, heading Mata’s cross straight into the keeper’s hands. United were denied the lead in the first half as Carson made sensational saves to deny Mata and Pogba from freekicks as the game went into half-time at nil all.
Derby had their moments on the break, the best one falling to Olsson whose header was tipped over by Romero. The second half saw Lukaku introduced to the game as United put Derby under intense pressure. Rashford hit the post yet again and Pogba mishit a shot when presented with an open goal. The Red Devils finally took the lead when Lingard scored a sublime half-volley from outside the box after a nice lay off from Lukaku. With Derby committing numbers ahead, United got their second on the break as Lukaku played a fine one-two with Martial to put the game to bed.
Sergio Romero- 6.5/10
Needed to make just 2 saves and was alert to clear a dangerous cross in the first half. Was extremely poor with his kicking and handling, however.
Victor Lindelof- 7.5/10
Good display from the out of position Swede. Held his position well and got forward well, always comfortable in possession. Fizzed a dangerous cross in the first half that should’ve been attacked better.
Chris Smalling- 7/10
Not much to do as Derby mostly played on the counter. Did well whenever needed to.
Daley Blind- 7/10
Same as Chris, had little to do and did well when called upon.
Luke Shaw- 8/10
Another encouraging display from the young left-back who seems to be winning Jose’s trust, slowly but surely. Defensively tight and got forward very well, pulling some nice cutbacks.
Ander Herrera- 8.5/10
Best player on the pitch, and alongside Pogba, it was no surprise to him play like he did last season. Constantly won tackles, made good interceptions and kept the play ticking with some good forward passes.
Paul Pogba- 7.5/10
The captain had a good game in the middle of the park. Took a few long shots that narrowly missed the target and was denied a brilliant goal from 25 yards by a superb save from Carson. Sloppy in possession at times, however.
Juan Mata- 7/10
Was his usual buzzing self, constantly moving around the frontline and picking the ball in deep positions when needed.
Marcus Rashford- 6/10
The young Englishman played all across the frontline and got into promising positions only to be let down by his finishing or final ball. Struck the post twice but should’ve scored at least once with the chances he got.
Jesse Lingard- 8/10
The red hot forward scored yet another important and beautiful goal to continue his wonderful season. Was United’s best player in the first half with his quick passing and movement.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan- 5/10
The Armenian has fallen off significantly and was poor again. One excellent cross aside was his frustration self with poor crosses, overhit passes and wayward corners. His time at the Theatre of Dreams looks to be over.
Substitutes
Romelu Lukaku (Mkhitaryan 45’) – 8/10
Scored and assisted coming off the bench. Held the ball up well and got a much-needed goal on his return.
Anthony Martial (Mata 67’) – 7.5/10
Caused Derby all kinds of trouble with his direct running and set up Lukaku for the second in injury time.
Marouane Fellaini (Rashford 80’) – 6/10
Brought on to shore things up, did nothing of note except one clearance from a Derby corner.
