Manchester United picked up a comfortable victory over Stoke City at Old Trafford, with goals from Valencia, Martial and Lukaku sealing the 3 points. Valencia, back in the XI after his injury and back with the captain’s armband, marked his return with a superb left-footed curler into the top corner after excellent work from Pogba on the left side. However, instead of taking control of the game and looking for a second, it was Stoke who had the better chances, Stephen Ireland in particular, who made his first start in 996 days and should’ve done much better with 2 glorious openings. The best chance for Stoke fell to Choupo-Moting when his goal-bound effort was somehow blocked by Jones.
United calmed the nerves around Old Trafford on 38 minutes as Lukaku held the ball up well, feeding it to Pogba who laid for Martial to finish exquisitely in the top corner to send United 2 up, an advantage they carried to halftime. The Red Devils had plenty of chances to triple their lead, with Mata, Martial and Lukaku squandering chances before Lukaku capped off a fine display with a great goal, controlling Martial’s powerful pass and then finishing clinically after getting away from Wimmer and Zouma. Mata struck the post on 79 minutes and Diouf was denied by De Gea late in the game, but the game finished at 3-0.
The result means United are 3 clear of Liverpool in 2nd and 12 points off leaders Manchester City.
Here are the ratings for the Manchester United players from their convincing win against Stoke City.
David De Gea- 7.5/10
A busier evening than he’d have expected, but was equal to everything, particularly a superb save in first-half injury time.
Antonio Valencia- 7.5/10
Cracking goal on his return, and was his usual industrious self.
Phil Jones- 8/10
Very solid defensively and produced a brilliant block to deny Choupo-Moting in the first half from close range at 1-0.
Chris Smalling- 6/10
A bit flustered in the first half as Stoke pushed for an equalizer but steadied in the second half.
Luke Shaw- 7/10
The Englishman looks to have won Jose’s trust and apart from a few positioning errors, enjoyed another good outing.
Nemanja Matic- 6.5/10
Fatigue seems to be creeping in the Serbian’s game as he let his defence down a bit on the evening.
Paul Pogba- 9/10
The Frenchman is an absolute delight to watch on top form and got another couple of assists to mark another spectacular display. Ran the game for United and played some wonderful passes all over the pitch. Man of the match.
Juan Mata- 7/10
Buzzing around the pitch as usual, but uncharacteristically profligate in front of goal. Impressive work rate.
Jesse Lingard- 7.5/10
Another good display from the academy lad as he continues his consistent run. Ran well with the ball and made an excellent shadow run for Valencia’s goal.
Anthony Martial- 8/10
Scored another peach and assisted Lukaku. Gave the Stoke defenders a nightmare every time he got on the ball.
Romelu Lukaku- 8.5/10
A true centre forward’s display from the Belgian. Held the ball up brilliantly and constantly helped others get into the game. Scored a very well taken and well-deserved goal as well.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (Anthony Martial 80’) – 6.5/10
Forced Butland into a good save after getting on the end of Valencia’s cross.
Marouane Fellaini (Jesse Lingard 80’) – 6/10
Brought on to shore up the middle.
Scott McTominay (Juan Mata 83’) – 6/10
Won a freekick in a dangerous position in added time.
