Manchester United player ratings: De Gea blunder costly but Martial makes statement

Posted by

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City at Old Trafford on Sunday in a game that the hosts really should have won.

Anthony Martial came off the bench to score a superb goal, but it wasn’t enough as Joe Allen earned the visitors a share of the spoils.

See our player assessment and ratings below:

David De Gea – 5

Usually so reliable, but on this occasion his mistake proved costly in the build-up to the equaliser as he parried an effort back into a dangerous position when he really should have dealt with it better.

Antonio Valencia – 5

Got forward every chance he had, but his contribution wasn’t consistent enough while he also picked up an early caution which limited him.

Eric Bailly – 7

Kept things tight at the back and Wilfried Bony under wraps with some crucial interventions. Only criticism may be that he was too slow in possession, but another impressive performance.

Chris Smalling – 6

Not the most solid of displays from the England international as he looked nervous at times, while he was also embarrassed by an excellent bit of skill from Xherdan Shaqiri in the first half.

Daley Blind – 7

Defensively sound and pushed forward to offer his quality in an attacking capacity too, the Dutchman continues to play well regardless of position.

Paul Pogba – 5

Showed some positive signs, but ultimately he was a little too relaxed in possession at times and missed three excellent chances to get on the scoresheet.

Ander Herrera – 6

Showed again why many believe he is the best partner in midfield for Pogba with his defensive coverage and ability to get the ball forward quickly. Lucky not to get sent off for his challenge on Allen though.

Jesse Lingard – 6

His movement was a problem for Stoke in the first-half, but he faded as the game went on. Did well though, in a much-improved display compared to mid-week.

Juan Mata – 7

A real driving force in the United midfield as he got between the lines and was always looking to push the team on and attack Stoke with his probing passing and runs forward.

Marcus Rashford – 5

Can count himself fortunate to stay on for the entire game as he struggled to have his usual influence. Showed his quality now and again, but overran the ball too often and couldn’t get into threatening positions.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 6

Missed an early chance which he should have scored, but worked hard up front and continued to make things happen without finding the back of the net.

Substitutes

Wayne Rooney – 5

Not the biggest impact off the bench, caught out in possession in the build-up to Martial’s goal.

Anthony Martial – 7

Took his goal brilliantly and was full of energy. Will hope to force his way back into the starting line-up.

Memphis Depay – N/A

A late introduction and didn’t have much of an influence.

More Stories Ander Herrera Anthony Martial Antonio Valencia Chris Smalling Daley Blind David de Gea Eric Bailly Jesse Lingard Juan Mata Marcus Rashford Memphis Depay Paul Pogba Wayne Rooney Zlatan Ibrahimovic