Manchester United needed a 93rd-minute penalty to defeat League One side Sheffield United. The Premier League side struggled to break down a resolute Sheffield team and played like they have all season, devoid of any attacking intent.
It took a second half substitute to get the Manchester faithful going as Memphis Depay turned on the screws and won a late penalty for the side. Wayne Rooney stepped up to convert the penalty and save the blushes of the side.
With Van Gaal under extreme pressure before the game, this result could have saved his job. We look back at the game and share the player ratings for the Manchester United players.
David de Gea – 6/10
De Gea wasn’t expected to work much against the League One side and that is what took place as the Spaniard didn’t do much.
Matteo Darmian – 8/10
One of the few players who actually had a good game, the Italian showed what he is all about as he linked up well with the attack and defended really well for the team. He also had the only shot on target which was saved by the Sheffield goalkeeper.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
Didn’t really have much to do in the defence for Manchester United and had a good chance to break the deadlock late in the game but messed it up.
Daley Blind – 6/10
Another player who didn’t have much to do in defence and had a steady game in the heart of the defence.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – 7/10
The youngster had a great game for Manchester United but all eyes would have been on the attacking problems for the Red Devils and not the good display by Borthwick-Jackson.
Marouane Fellaini – 7/10
The Belgian was a work horse in midfield and was substituted for Pereira in the second half.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 5/10
Had one of his poor games and then picked up a nasty knee injury in the game and had to soldier on since United had already made all their substitutions.
Ander Herrera – 6/10
His name was sung by the United faithful but as with Manchester United’s season so far, he couldn’t make a telling contribution to the attack.
Juan Mata – 6/10
Didn’t really have much of a say in the United attack. Tried his best but Sheffield shut shop really well.
Anthony Martial – 6/10
Martial was anonymous against Sheffield United and credit must be given to the away side for handling the French attacker well.
Wayne Rooney – 6/10
Made a few good cross field passes but scored the penalty to give United the win.
Substitutes
Jesse Lingard – 6/10
Lingard didn’t do much to trouble the Sheffield defence and was largely missing even when he came on.
Memphis Depay – 8/10
The Dutch attacker came on in the second half and was the brightest United player. He also won the penalty that gave United the victory.
Andreas Pereira – 5/10
Didn’t really do much in the game but was a late substitute for Fellaini.