Manchester United 4-0 West Ham: Player Ratings
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
Manchester United announced themselves as major title contenders in the demolition of West Ham at Old Trafford today. The Red Devils ran riot by scoring 4 goals past a lacklustre West Ham United, who didn’t manage to muster anything attacking wise.
Let’s analyse the performances of players from the two teams:
Manchester United:
De Gea: 7
The Spaniard didn’t have much to do this evening with West Ham creating almost nothing whole game. Did well to command the area on a few aerial balls that came into Manchester United’s box.
Antonio Valencia: 7.5
The Ecuadorian full-back made a number of exciting runs down the right flank. Was always available as a wide outlet whenever Manchester United needed to use the width of the field.
Eric Bailly: 7
Won quite a few tackles and aerial duels to nullify any attacks that West Ham hoped to get going. Earned a yellow card for a forceful tackle on Chicharito.
Phil Jones: 7.5
The English international looked solid throughout the game as he played the role of a leader in defence. Was quick to win tackles and play balls out of the defence.
Daley Blind: 8
The Dutchman is the picture of composure and intelligence quite often, and he was no different today. Kept everything neat and tidy in both attack and defence.
Paul Pogba: 8
Pogba had a good game, just like every other Manchester United player. The midfielder showed his quality on a few occasions with great dribbling and vision. Scored with a placed shot to finish the game.
Matic: 8.5
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
The Serbian did exactly what he was bought for. Broke up plays, sprayed the ball all over the field. Intercepted the ball in midfield to trigger the counterattack that resulted in the first goal. Already looking crucial.
Juan Mata: 7.5
The Spanish playmaker was inventive with his exemplary passing. Could have been more decisive, though.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 9
The Armenian finally looks close to showing the quality he possesses, but couldn’t demonstrate in continuity last season. Was involved in almost every attack Manchester United orchestrated.
Marcus Rashford: 9
The young attacker was menacing down the left wing as he gave Zabaleta a tough time the whole evening. Assisted the first two goals to help his team establish command over the match.
Romelu Lukaku: 9
The mega money signing has been impactful for his new club from day one. Took both his goals well, which showcased what his game is all about – Pace and Power.
Subs: Fellaini: 6.5, Martial: 7.5, Lingard: 6.
West Ham United:
Reuters / Tony O’Brien
Joe Hart: 5.5
The English No.1 made a couple of good saves early in the game. But if you let 4 goals past you, you haven’t done a good job.
Pablo Zabaleta: 6
The veteran had the tough task of containing the blazing fast Rashford, but he couldn’t. Earned a yellow card in one of his attempts to stop the young attacker.
Winston Reid: 6
Reid tried his best to deal with the unstoppable attacking force of Manchester United, but it all turned out to be futile. Could have done better to stop the first goal when he failed to intercept Rashford’s through ball to Lukaku.
Angelo Ogbonna: 6
Much like his central defensive partner, Ogbonna struggled all evening to deal with United’s attack. Got yellow-carded for a foul after getting frustrated.
Arthur Masuaku: 6.5
The better of the defensive bunch of West Ham. Did well to get forward on a couple of occasions to put crosses in.
Pedro Obiang: 6
Did a decent job in winning tackles and duels in midfield. However, the forceful midfielder was very wasteful with his passing.
Mark Noble: 6.5
The captain played his heart out to get his team back into game, but couldn’t get the game going for his team against an authoritative opposition.
Marko Arnautovic: 6.5
In the absence of Carroll, the new signing from Stoke City operated as the wide target man for West Ham. Got himself into decent positions a few times, but couldn’t make the impact.
Edimilson Fernandes: 5.5
Perhaps, the worst player on the pitch. Did nothing noteworthy the whole game.
Andre Ayew: 5.5
The Ghana international had a match to forget. Didn’t get involved in the game for most of the time. Disappointing from a quality player.
Chicharito Hernandez: 6.5
The former Red Devil player did what he does, except scoring – ran all over the pitch, won many aerial duels. The lack of service for the new signing will be matter of concern for the coach.
Subs: Rice: 6, Sakho: 6 Cresswell: 6.
Written by Shorya Panwar 
Has 20+ years of experience managing Schalke in Football Manager 2017. Believes wing-backs are the most complete footballers in the modern/evolved football. Writes weird stuff on his personal blog.