Carrick, Valencia and match-winner Mata also shine.
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Manchester United recorded their first win in four games on Saturday.
The Red Devils saw off Crystal Palace 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to a deflected long-range strike from substitute Juan Mata.
Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni should have done better with Mata’s effort, but United were the better team and the goal was just reward for their dominance.
Here’s how Louis van Gaal’s men rated at Old Trafford…
GK: David de Gea – 7/10
Had a fairly quiet afternoon. His main contribution was to intercept an Adrian Mariappa cross, which looked destined to find Frazier Campbell unmarked on the far post.
RB: Antonio Valencia – 8/10
Showed incredible energy and made more tackles – nine – than any other player on the pitch.
LB: Luke Shaw – 7/10
Seemed to enjoy himself a lot, getting forward frequently. He was fairly solid defensively.
CB: Daley Blind – 8/10
Blind did a great job as an emergency centre-back. His performance was a huge factor in United keeping their first clean sheet in seven matches.
CB: Paddy NcNair – 7/10
Under the guidance of Blind, McNair had a rather uneventful game. His approach was very much safety first, which, considering United’s recent defensive record, was probably for the best.
RM: Adnan Januzaj – 5/10
Seemed to lack confidence, unusually. The Belgian winger did not beat an opponent once.
LW: Angel Di Maria – 7/10
Not his best performance in a United shirt, but Di Maria did provide a crucial assist for Mata’s winner. He also frightened Palace right-back Mariappa on multiple occasions.
CM: Marouane Fellaini 7/10
Fellaini helped his team with a very disciplined defensive display.
CM: Michael Carrick 8/10
Making his first Premier League start of the season, Carrick did a great job acting as a link between defence and attack. He also gave the inexperienced back four plenty of protection.
AM: Wayne Rooney – 8/10
United will be delighted to have their skipper back after suspension. Playing in a deeper role, he was the game’s star man in midfield. He didn’t make many tackles, but he produced four key passes and tried his luck with four shots.
ST: Robin van Persie – 6/10
Endured a frustrating afternoon and found himself isolated for much of the game.
Subs:
Juan Mata – 8/10
Mata had only been on the pitch for four minutes when he broke the deadlock. He also hit the post in the game’s dying seconds.
James Wilson – 5/10
Struggled to get into the game, after coming on for Di Maria on 71 minutes. His teammates seemed reluctant to pass to him at times.
Darren Fletcher – n/a
Replaced McNair in stoppage time. Only touched the ball four times during his brief cameo.
