Manchester United played one of their best games of the season to defeat West Bromwich Albion 0-3 at the Hawthorns. Read player ratings here:
After a poor result against Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League, Manchester United manager David Moyes knew it was important that the Red Devils repaid the fans’ faith with a good performance – as his open letter to the fans showed.
He selected an attacking side, and his team played out a fine away game, with tenacious tackling, timing of attacks and clinical finishing all on show in one of Man Utd’s best displays under their new boss.
Player ratings follow below.
David De Gea – 7/10
It feels a very long time since David De Gea was considered a liability in the Manchester United goal, for the Spaniard is much improved this season.
While De Gea has always been a great shot stopper, this term he has improved the command of his area, and kept his concentration throughout, saving a fine strike from Zoltan Gera at his near post.
Rafael – 8/10
When Rafael plays like he did against West Bromwich Albion, it is startling to see him linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford.
The Brazilian had an excellent game for Manchester United, bombing forward and crossing well for Wayne Rooney’s goal.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
Recovered from a somewhat shaky performance for England against Denmark to remind everyone why he has been highly rated by some of the game’s most illustrious managers in Sir Alex Ferguson, Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson.
Oh, and David Moyes.
Smalling kept things simple, but repelled West Brom attacks with solid defending throughout.
Phil Jones – 8/10
Phil Jones missed England’s match against Denmark in midweek, but recovered to illustrate his potential against the Baggies.
Jones marshalled the defence impressively and scored a fine header.
Patrice Evra – 7/10
As can be expected in a David Moyes side, left back Patrice Evra got forward very well, but his best work was actually in defence.
Evra made four tackles and won every aerial duel he was involved in to prevent West Brom creating chances.
The Frenchman was somewhat erratic with his distribution, but did his primary job well.
Michael Carrick – 7/10
Unless he is playing against a high pressing team, Michael Carrick very rarely gives a less than decent performance.
The England midfielder dictates the tempo for his side, always available as an out ball for both defence and attack to return to.
Marouane Fellaini – 8/10
Marouane Fellaini played his best game for Manchester United.
The big Belgian with the big hair was everywhere, making more passes than any other player on the pitch, the second most tackles for the Red Devils, and the joint most shots with Rooney.
Juan Mata – 7/10
Juan Mata had a somewhat quiet game for Manchester United, and is still finding his feet at Old Trafford, as illustrated by the occasional misplaced pass as he grows accustomed to his team-mates’ movement.
When he fully settles in with the Red Devils, he will surely start to demonstrate his talent on a regular basis.
Wayne Rooney – 9/10
Wayne Rooney leads Manchester United for both goals and assists this season, offering a reasonable explanation why the England forward was given such a colossal salary in his new contract.
Rooney scored a bullet header from Rafael’s cross after a brilliant late run into the box, and set up Danny Welbeck with a fine through ball.
Adnan Januzaj – 6/10
Not Adnan Januzaj’s best game for Manchester United, with the youngster looking slightly jaded after having played rather more first team football this season than he might have expected.
It may be worth David Moyes giving the teenager an extended break in order to get the best out of him long term, with Brendan Rodgers having proved such a move’s effectiveness with the resurgence of Raheem Sterling this season after missing much of the second half of the last campaign.
Robin Van Persie – 6/10
Robin Van Persie commented after Manchester United’s dreadful UEFA Champions League defeat to Olympiakos that often his team-mates were occupying spaces he wanted to move into, and that he needed to adapt his game.
Although he provided the set piece assist for Phil Jones’ goal, it is startling that the Red Devils’ striker playing furthest upfield did not have a shot all match.
Substitutes:
Danny Welbeck – 8/10
Danny Welbeck has an innate sense of positioning, and fantastic movement, and if he can finish as well as he did against West Brom more often, he could develop into a top striker.
Shinji Kagawa – 6/10
Shinji Kagawa came on with fifteen minutes remaining. The Japanese playmaker worked hard, pressing high and winning the ball with two tackles high up the pitch, but was unable to stamp his mark on the game.
Nemanja Vidic – 6/10
Came on with only three minutes left on the clock. Did nothing wrong.