FA Cup Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa
REUTERS/Phil Noble
Manchester United hanged on to an early lead through Scott McTominay to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Ralf Rangnick made some changes to the lineup, but United still struggled to control the game – which became an end-to-end affair after the break.
The hosts, wasteful in the final third, couldn’t double their lead, while Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins came close to equalise for the visitors, but both had goals disallowed by VAR.
The interim United boss will certainly need his players to perform better to get the same result against Steven Gerrard’s men in the Premier League.
David de Gea – 7.5
Prevented Villa from equalising by denying both John McGinn and Matty Cash’s long range efforts in each half with solid saves.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Positive going forward and linked up well with Bruno Fernandes.
Victor Lindelof – 5.5
His poor touch almost led to Watkins’ goal, but the Swede recovered well from his mistake to keep a clean sheet.
Raphael Varane – 7.5
While his teammates lacked composure, the Frenchman was in control during all of his duels against Villa.
Luke Shaw – 6.0
Emi Buendia gave him a tough night.
Scott McTominay – 7.5
Another man of the match performance from the Scotland international. Rangnick, in his post-match interview, praised the midfielder for his leadership skills.
Fred – 6.5
Beautiful cross to find McTominay in the box for United’s opener.
Mason Greenwood – 6.0
Tested Emi Martinez with tamed efforts from outside the box.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
Captain on the night, the Portuguese created some good chances from his favoured role.
Marcus Rashford – 4.5
Looked energetic in the early stages, but his performance dipped as the game progressed.
Edinson Cavani – 5.5
Couldn’t capitalise on Fernandes’ pass in the first half, and lacked service thereafter.
Substitutes:
Donny van de Beek – 6.0
Kept possession well and helped United see out the game comfortably.
Jesse Lingard – N/A
Anthony Elanga – N/A
