The team’s performance was nowhere near as smart as manager Ryan Giggs’s tailored attire in the first half, but the Red Devils improved greatly after the break as they began their post-Moyes era with a much-deserved 4-0 win.
Read our player ratings here:
David de Gea – 7/10
Although his crossbar was rattled late on by Martin Olsson, the Spaniard had to make just two saves from long range in order to keep his 13 Premier League clean sheet of the season – one to repel Robert Snodgrass and one to deny Bradley Johnson. He dealt with both confidently.
Rio Ferdinand- 7/10
Reverting to experience seemed to be the ethos of Giggs’ team selection, as Ferdinand and Vidic, both of whom are leaving Old Trafford this summer, were paired together in central defence. The partnership was rarely tested by an overwhelmed Norwich side, but both players managed to get through 90 minutes without putting a foot wrong.
Nemanja Vidic – 8/10
Captain Vidic was slightly busier than his partner, as he made two tackles and five interceptions, compared to Ferdinand’s zero tackles and two interceptions. Nevertheless, the match was a stroll in the park for the big Serbian, who looked in great shape physically. He will be a big loss next season.
Phil Jones – 9/10
With very little need for defensive responsibility, Jones spent most of the match camped in the opponent’s half, like Man United full-backs used to do on a regular basis in the good old days (12 months ago). He was involved in many of the Red Devils’ attacks and had 99 touches of the ball in total, more than any other player except Carrick. He swung in a lovely cross to set up Mata’s first goal, which made it 3-0.
Patrice Evra – 7/10
Left-back Evra had less attacking freedom than Jones, but the Frenchman looked in control of everything he did at the back, making one crucial interception, three tackles and seven clearances.
Michael Carrick – 7/10
Carrick produced a responsible display and recycled possession calmly, feeding his side’s more creative players in threatening positions whenever possible.
Tom Cleverley – 6/10
Despite United’s utter dominance, Cleverly’s role as the weak link was still evident. He was a spectator for most of his 71 minutes on the field. He did have one chance to claim a bit of glory, but he struck a dreadful air-kick after a fabulous Rooney pass had been knocked into his path by Valencia.
Antonio Valencia – 8/10
Playing like a traditional winger in Giggs’ Mike Bassett-inspired 4-4-2, Valencia hugged the touchline throughout, creating ample space for his attacking teammates to exploit. He also registered four shots on goal and made two key passes.
Shinji Kagawa – 6/10
Kagawa didn’t quite look fully fit and he was off target with 22% of his 54 passes. Nevertheless, he showed plenty of attacking intent before being hauled off on 65 minutes.
Wayne Rooney – 8/10
Rooney set the tone for his action-man evening by rising above Michael Turner to win an aerial duel in the very first-minute. He then opened the scoring just before half-time with a clinical spot-kick, before doubling his tally after the break with a terrific long-range solo goal, despite losing his footing just prior to pulling the trigger. He almost completed his hat-trick in stunning style, but his late clipped lob from the edge of the area landed on the roof of the net.
Danny Welbeck – 7/10
Lively Welbeck put in an energetic shift and, as well as winning the penalty from which his side took the lead, he stung the palms of John Ruddy with two powerful strikes. He came off after an hour to make way for Mata.
Substitutes:
Juan Mata – 8/10
Having been omitted from Giggs’ starting XI, the former Chelsea playmaker looked like a man out to prove a point. He certainly made it, netting twice and making three key passes. Norwich allowed him to play though, and Mata is unlikely to be given such an easy time in next weekend’s clash with relegation-scrappers Sunderland.
Ashley Young – 5/10
Young did little to impress during a 25-minute cameo. A summer exit looms large.
Javier Hernandez – 6/10
The Mexican’s tunnel vision saw him presented with one chance during just over 19 minutes on the pitch. It was a good one-on-one opportunity, mind, but he fired wide from just inside the penalty area.