Red Devils assessed following under-par performance on Wearside.
Manchester United are still looking for their first official win under new manager Louis van Gaal after being held to a 1-1 draw at Sunderland in the Premier League.
Juan Mata scored against the run of play to give United the lead on 17 minutes, before former Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell levelled the scores on the half-hour mark.
Here’s how Van Gaal’s men rated at the Stadium of Light:
Goalkeeper: David de Gea – 6/10
Rodwell goal was not his fault. Made two simple saves.
Central defender: Chris Smalling – 5/10
Struggled with hamstring problem for much of the first half and was replaced by Michael Keane just before the interval.
Central defender: Tyler Blackett – 6/10
Did reasonably well, all things considered, but United simply must sign a top centre-back before the transfer window closes. Blackett should be getting his first-team experience on loan in the Championship, instead of being relied upon by a team with title, or even top-four, ambitions in the Premier League.
Central defender: Phil Jones 8/10
The most impressive member of United’s back three by a long way.
Left wing-back: Ashley Young – 5/10
Is clearly not enjoying his new position. Looked shaky defensively. Was correctly booked for diving in the second half.
Right wing-back: Antonio Valencia – 6/10
Much more comfortable as a wing-back than Young. Played a key role in Mata’s goal, but was at fault for Sunderland’s equaliser.
Midfield: Tom Cleverley – 6/10
Was on target with 90% of his passes. Did a decent job defensively too, but picked up a silly yellow card for a needless body-check on Lee Cattermole.
Midfield: Darren Fletcher – 5/10
United improved slightly after he was replaced by Adnan Januzaj.
Midfield: Juan Mata – 7/10
Scored United’s goal and looked the most likely player to cut a hole in Sunderland’s resolute defence, but the Spaniard’s reluctance to track back nullified the advantage that their three-man midfield should have created.
Forward: Wayne Rooney – 6/10
Worked hard, but endured a very frustrating afternoon.
Forward: Robin van Persie – 5/10
Was on the field for over an hour, but did not register a single shot.
Subs:
Michael Keane – 6/10
Adnan Januzaj- 7/10
Danny Welbeck – 6/10
