Louis van Gaal can finally show tangible evidence of what a team under his guidance would like after Man United finally delivered a dominant performance in a big game.
Down on confidence after losing to Arsenal in the FA Cup, Man United offered the right response by taking Spurs apart inside 30 min with some quick and devastating football.
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Here is how the Red Devils rated in their win over Spurs.
GK) David de Gea – 6
Hardly tested by Spurs given that he only faced one shot on target.
RB) Antonio Valencia – 7
Offered great energy going forward and did well to put in a solid performance given the focus on him after his mistakes on Monday night.
CB) Chris Smalling – 7
Showed composure on the ball, keeping his team in the front foot which would have delighted Van Gaal.
CB) Phil Jones – 7
Produced the performance which warranted the potential Sir Alex felt he’d inevitably show. Lead the back four well.
LB) Daley Blind – 8
The reason why Andros Townsend was hauled off after 30 minutes, dominated Man United’s left hand side.
DM) Michael Carrick – 8
Vintage performance against his old team from the pass master – apart from the rare goal. Kept the team ticking over which made Spurs’ pressing game look all over the place.
CM) Ander Herrera – 7
Taken off at half-time against Arsenal, completed the full 90 today to show a potentially strong partnership alongside Carrick for future.
AML) Ashley Young – 8
Tore Kyle Walker to shreds as Man United targeted the right-hand side of Spurs and continued to feed their most dangerous outlet in Young.
AMR) Juan Mata – 6
Offered balance to the side without producing anything spectacular, but may have done enough to keep Angel di Maria out of the side.
ACM) Marouane Fellaini – 9
One goal, one assist and a performance which wasn’t all about his ability in the air. His goal was worthy of any Man United playmaker.
CF) Wayne Rooney – 9
Van Gaal previously moaned about not having a 20 goal striker, Rooney is exactly that when he plays upfront. Given his performance today, he should get knocked out every week.
Substitues:
Radamel Falcao – N/A
Came on for Fellaini to show that he is still very much part of the first team team despite his appearance for the U21
Andreas Perreira – 6
Introduced for Mata with 13 minutes to go, but was anonymous for the dying embers of the game.
Rafael – N/A
Came on late on as Michael Carrick was offered a standing ovation.