How did Manchester United’s players fare in their 4-0 win over Newcastle United today? Here are the ratings for David Moyes’ side…
Anders Lindegaard 7 – Given a chance in the starting XI as David Moyes chose to rest David de Gea, Lindegaard proved to be a steady pair of hands in the United goal, making a number of good saves.
Antonio Valencia 7 – Pressed into the right back role, Valencia performed admirably out of position, coping well with Yoann Gouffran and the overlapping Massadio Haidara in an effective display.
Chris Smalling 8 – Dominant in the air again today, Smalling impressed again with a solid display alongside Phil Jones. The young duo are forging a promising partnership, and could be the future of the United defence.
Phil Jones 8 – Alongside Smalling, Jones was a rock in the United defence and continues to show that he has the potential to replace Nemanja Vidic in the heart of Red Devils’ backline.
Patrice Evra 7 – Evra picked up an injury today, but played through the pain barrier before being replaced by Alexander Buttner shortly after the hour mark.
Darren Fletcher 7 – Worked hard in the United midfield, protecting the back four and got on the ball regularly to imitate what Michael Carrick offers to Moyes’ side.
Marouane Fellaini 7 – Much-maligned after his woeful display against Bayern Munich in midweek, Fellaini certainly improved today, but still didn’t offer what a £27.5m signing should, and once again got away with some reckless elbow usage.
Shinji Kagawa 8 – Followed up last weekend’s impressive display against Aston Villa with another promising performance. Laid on a great assist for Javier Hernandez’s goal, and was dangerous throughout.
Juan Mata 9 – Best display for United yet. Influential in every United attack, Mata curled home a delightful free kick in the first half before adding a coolly taken second after the break, and finally produced a sublime backheel for Adnan Januzaj’s goal.
Ashley Young 6 – On the field for just 18 minutes before being substituted with an injury.
Javier Hernandez 8 – Continued his incredible record of goals when he starts by adding the third goal, making a trademark run before sliding the ball past Rob Elliot in the Magpies goal. His movement was a constant danger, and could have scored earlier when he hit the post.
Subs:
Adnan Januzaj 8 – Replaced Young early on and was bright throughout, capping a fine display with a well taken late goal from Mata’s backheel.
Alexander Buttner 6 – Was introduced for Evra midway through the second half and wasn’t pressed into too much defensive work.
Nani 6 – Was given a chance when brought on for Fellaini with 20 minutes to play, but didn’t show enough to suggest that he should be in the starting line-up.
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