Manchester United 1-1 Stoke City: Player Ratings
Britain Soccer Football – Manchester United v Stoke City – Premier League – Old Trafford – 2/10/16
Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine
Manchester United hosted Stoke City at Old Trafford in Sunday’s first PL fixture, and it ended 1-1, with Joe Allen cancelling out Anthony Martial’s opener.
The game was full of chances, with Mourinho’s men dominating most of it. However, they weren’t clinical enough in front of goal, and ended up dropping 2 points in a match they should have ideally won.
Here’s how the Red Devils fared against the Potters:
DAVID DE GEA: 4
The Spaniard didn’t have much to do for most of the match, and when he did, he made an error which led to Stoke’s equalizer.
ANTONIO VALENCIA: 5.5
Failed to do anything notable, but did pick up a Yellow Card for a poor tackle.
ERIC BAILLY: 7
Was impressive as usual, but couldn’t help his team keep a clean sheet this time.
CHRIS SMALLING: 6
Had an average game. Got embarrassed by Shaqiri’s brilliant nutmeg, however.
DALEY BLIND: 6.5
Had a decent game, and his passes helped. Continued his good supply of corners, but a poor clearance gave Stoke a throw-in that led to the equalizer.
ANDER HERRERA: 7
Put in a dominant display with numerous touches and passes. Showed Mourinho why he should be starting most games alongside Pogba.
PAUL POGBA: 7
Came close to scoring twice, but was kept out by the goalkeeper as well as the goalpost. Created several chances as well.
JESSE LINGARD: 6
Made some clever runs, and almost opened United’s scoring in the first half, but was denied by Grant’s brilliant reflexes.
JUAN MATA: 7.5
Was United’s best player on the pitch for the second game running. Pulled all the strings from the #10 position, which could very well be his own if he continues such impressive performances.
MARCUS RASHFORD: 5.5
The youngster had a quieter game than usual.
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC: 6
Should have scored early in the game, but couldn’t. Tried his best to influence the game by dropping deep repeatedly, but was unable to secure his team a win.
SUBSTITUTES:
ANTHONY MARTIAL: 8
Made an instant impact from the bench by curling in a delightful finish. His opener lifted his team’s spirit, but it was for naught, as the game ended all square.
WAYNE ROONEY: 5
Did nothing impressive, other than playing a tiny part in Martial’s goal.
MEMPHIS DEPAY: 5
Was sent on for Herrera after United conceded the goal. Failed to make any notable impact.
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