Manchester United player ratings: Pogba majestic while Mata shines in win over Leicester City

Posted by

Manchester United thumped Leicester City 4-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Paul Pogba delivering a Man of the Match performance.

The visitors enjoyed the early part of the game and looked a threat, but Chris Smalling’s goal in the 22nd minute changed the complexion of the encounter as United took control.

Jose Mourinho will be delighted with the result and the performances from his players, and here is our player assessment:

David De Gea – 6

Nothing he could have done to stop Demarai Gray’s consolation strike, but other than that had little to do aside from an excellent stop to deny the Leicester winger a second.

Antonio Valencia – 6

Started off slowly but improved as the game went on and became an attacking threat himself having been penned back and made to look vulnerable at times.

Eric Bailly – 7

Did well to limit the threat of Jamie Vardy who was replaced at half-time, and made key interceptions as he made good use of his excellent reading of the game.

Chris Smalling – 7

Bullet-header to break the deadlock and settled in well into the backline having been given the captain’s armband by Mourinho.

Daley Blind – 8

Created two goals in the midst of the first-half blitz, looked assured defensively at left-back while providing quality on the ball too.

Paul Pogba – 8

His best performance for United so far and grabbed his first goal for the club to add the icing to the cake. An excellent outing for the French midfielder, and he’ll now hope to build on this moving forward.

Ander Herrera – 8

Did himself no harm in terms of making the defensive midfield position his own, as he worked tirelessly off the ball to pressure Leicester into making mistakes and set United on their way.

Marcus Rashford – 7

Scored his third goal in three games and looked a threat for most of the game. Will be disappointed he didn’t do better in certain situations, but his pace and movement bring such a big threat to United’s overall play.

Juan Mata – 8

Calls for Wayne Rooney to be dropped were answered, and Mata may well keep him on the bench after Saturday’s display. Took his goal brilliantly, and grabbed a wonderful assist for Rashford’s goal in a decisive performance.

Jesse Lingard – 6

Great work in the build-up to Mata’s goal and undoubtedly worked hard for his teammates. Didn’t quite have the same attacking impact as others, but can be pleased with his overall effort.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 6

Almost scored a terrific solo goal and battled hard up top on his own against Robert Huth and Wes Morgan. Will have better days but still managed to play an important role.

Substitutes

Michael Carrick – N/A

Did well to help see United through in the final 10 minutes or so.

Wayne Rooney – N/A

Reacted well to being dropped as he came out looking to make a difference.

Ashley Young – N/A

Not much time on the pitch to make an impact.

More Stories Ander Herrera Antonio Valencia Ashley Young Chris Smalling Daley Blind David de Gea Eric Bailly Jesse Lingard Juan Mata Marcus Rashford Michael Carrick Paul Pogba Wayne Rooney Zlatan Ibrahimovic