How did we rate the United side during their Premier League trip to the Emirates Stadium this evening?
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Manchester United heaped the misery on Premier League rivals Arsenal this evening as goals from Wayne Rooney and Kieran Gibbs, at the wrong end, handed Louis van Gaal’s men a deserved victory.
This is how we rated the inexperienced United team in North London:
GK) David de Gea 8 – De Gea was in fine form all afternoon, making a string of impressive saves as Arsenal created chances and forced the Spaniard to be at the top his game.
CB) Paddy McNair 7 – As with most of his teammates, started shakily, but was absolutely superb as he grew into the game.
CB) Chris Smalling 7 – An impressively solid return to the team by Smalling after his disastrous showing in the Manchester derby.
CB) Tyler Blackett 7 – Blackett was competent and confident considering his relatively lack of experience at this level.
LWB) Luke Shaw 6 – Had little time to make an impact before becoming United’s latest injury problem.
RWB) Antonio Valencia 7 – Struggled defensively during the opening exchanges but grew into his role and got the assist for Gibbs’ own goal.
CM) Marouane Fellaini 6 – The Belgian was clumsy in possession but provides a physical presence in midfield that is useful for United.
CM) Michael Carrick 7 – Could be an important player for United, made the absence of Daley Blind far less of a problem than it could have been.
ACM) Wayne Rooney 8 – Busy and creative, Rooney is really starting to find some form. Took his goal delightfully with a dink over Martinez.
SC) Robin van Persie 6 – Had a quiet afternoon against his former club before being hauled off for teenager James Wilson, who brought more energy than the Dutchman.
SC) Angel di Maria 7 – Not di Maria’s finest afternoon in terms of end product, but his pace troubled the Arsenal defence in the way that van Gaal envisaged.
SUB) Ashley Young 6 – Did a respectable job considering that he was thrown into an entirely unfamiliar position.