- Manchester United scored three superb goals to beat Stoke City
- Antonio Valencia, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku were on the score sheet
- United closed the gap on Manchester City to 12 points
- WATCH: Antonio Valencia stuns Manchester United fans after scoring stunner with his weaker left foot
- WATCH: Anthony Martial sends message to Manchester United target Alexis Sanchez with sublime finish vs Stoke
Manchester United beat Stoke City 3-0 in the Premier League this evening thanks to sublime strikes by Antonio Valencia, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho’s side are now just 12 points behind Manchester City, who lost at Liverpool yesterday, though it might not make a huge difference in the destination of this season’s title.
Man of the match
He might not have got on the score sheet, but Paul Pogba ran the show from midfield throughout the entire game, putting on a masterclass in passing.
The France international gets a lot of flak, but it’s clear to anyone who’s watched United this season that they’re a far better side when he’s in it.
Tonight, Pogba got two assists and deservedly takes our Man of the Match award for a flawless performance.
Flop of the match
Take your pick from almost any Stoke City player, but Chelsea fans may be concerned about the poor display from Kurt Zouma.
The Frenchman is on loan with the Potters this season but put in another unconvincing display at Old Trafford this evening.
Of course, he’d have a better team around him if he were playing there for Chelsea, but more performances like this and it’s unlikely he’ll be heading back to Stamford Bridge.
Stat of the match
It’s an absolutely miserable one if you’re a Stoke fan…
50 – Stoke City are the first team in Europe’s big five divisions to concede 50 league goals this season. Downpour. pic.twitter.com/vohHq3XxPW
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 15, 2018
Player ratings
Manchester United: De Gea 7, Jones 7, Smalling 6, Valencia 8, Shaw 7, Matic 6, Pogba 9, Mata 7, Lingard 7, Martial 8, Lukaku 8 / Subs: Rashford 6, Fellaini 6, McTominay 6
Stoke City: Butland 6, Zouma 5, Indi 6, Bauer 6, Tymon 5, Fletcher 6, Allen 6, Ireland 6, Shaqiri 6, Choupo-Moting 5, Crouch 6 / Wimmer 6, Sobhi 6, Diouf 5
Reaction
Given the rumours going about at the moment, it’s pretty much just United fans trolling Arsenal for even thinking they had a chance of signing Martial…
Martial’s finish though?? The state of Arsenal fans thinking we’d let them have him. No, you can have Mkhi, or the money, but Tony is too good for you ???
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) January 15, 2018
Thirty million AND Mkhitaryan? Na. Martial plus Cash? Na. Arsenal having a laugh are they https://t.co/kUF7emDMc2
— David O’Leary (@DOL17) January 15, 2018
Tony Martial, came from France.
Arsenal asked and he said “no chance”.— Dan Hughes (@Dan85Hughes) January 15, 2018
They asked for Martial plus cash before? What are Arsenal smoking?
— Saim (@SaimSadeek) January 15, 2018
And to think Arsenal thought we would give them Martial ???
— Lofty Goals (@BlessingTsb) January 15, 2018