The Spanish midfield signing shines once again in pre-season…
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GK) David de Gea – 6
Exposed for the goal, but had very little to do apart from that.
DC) Phil Jones – 6
Slightly sloppy in possession, and still has work to do to prove to the United faithful he can one day captain the club.
DC) Chris Smalling – 6.5
Smalling actually suits this 3-5-2 system, because he’s a ball-playing centre-back. He rarely gave it away, and enjoyed playing crisp passes into his midfielders.
DC) Tyler Blackett – 7
With the news that Marcos Rojo is on his way, Blackett needed to impress, and he did just that. Solid in the tackle, and held a strong defensive line.
WBR) Ashley Young – 7
One of the real surprise stories from this pre-season. Young’s proven he can adapt to a more defensive role, and has done so well. His running up the right was there for all to see, and he’ll get game time this season as a result.
WBL) Reece James – 5.5
James could be used as backup for Luke Shaw this season, but he didn’t perform well against the Spaniards. With Daley Blind potentially arriving, he’ll know he
MC) Darren Fletcher – 7.5
Forming a strong understanding with Herrera in the middle of the park, and took his goal excellently. He’s been rewarded with the vice-captaincy as well, and with no more central midfielders having arrived, Fletcher could play a central part this season.
MC) Ander Herrera – 8
United’s best player on the pitch. Played countless crisp, telling passes, and never looked flustered in possession. Looks like a real find.
AMC) Juan Mata – 5
Quiet. Drifted out of the game as it went on, and didn’t offer too much creatively against his former club.
FC) Wayne Rooney – 6
Dived to win a penalty, and then smashed it against the post anyway! Not the new United captain’s proudest evening, by a long shot.
FC) Javier Hernandez – 5.5
Hard-working and sprightly, in what was probably his last game in a United shirt.
SUBS:
Lingard (For Smalling) – 6 – Ran around lots, did little else.
Kagawa (For Young) – 5 – Non-existent.
Cleverley (For Fletcher) – 4 – Shocking clearance led to Valencia’s goal.
Keane (For Mata) – 6 Added more bite than the man he replaced.
Fellaini (For Herrera) – 7.5 – Bagged a late winner, and looked strong in possession.
