Best And Worst Rated Manchester United Players vs Sunderland (Match Reactions Included)

Manchester United Player Ratings vs Sunderland

Sunderland secured a huge win against Manchester United as they look to make the great escape from the bottom early. The pressure on Louis Van Gaal increased as his side suffered a demoralizing 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats took an early lead through a Wahbi Khazri’s free-kick before Anthony Martial equalized for the Red Devils with a superb chip finish. The home side threatened in the second-half and nicked it late on as De Gea nudged Lamina Kone’s header over his own line.

David De Gea

Will be very disappointed today after conceding two very soft goals against a struggling Sunderland team. He probably ought to have done better with Khazri’s goal, but made amends quickly with a superb save to deny N’Doye  who was through on goal. Was credited with an own goal for Sunderland’s winner. 7

Matteo Darmian

Was unlucky to have gone off injured early on in the first half after he clattered into Khazri which forced his withdrawal due to a shoulder injury. He seems to be developing a good understanding with Lingard on the right. 6

Chris Smalling

He was given the task of marking Defoe and other than a couple of nervous moments in the first half, he did a good job on the English striker. Will be blamed for losing his man for the winner late on. 6

Blind

Did well in the heart of defence but still has a lot to prove before people start referring to him as a quality United centre back. He made a brilliant block to deny Defoe a certain goal. 6

Borthwick-Jackson

Got forward well, delivered some dangerous crosses in the box. Is really starting to look the part for United. Looks to be growing in confidence with each passing game, definitely United’s best defender on the day. 7

Morgan Schneiderlin

Disappointed a little after he was brought back into the starting XI. Did well in patches but couldn’t assert his authority in the middle of the park. Needs to start producing consistently, if he wants to be successful at United. 6

Michael Carrick

Not the sort of performance one expects from United’s Mr. dependable. He did pick out some excellent passes from time to time but was responsible was giving away the ball on more than one occasion. 5

Jesse Lingard

Couldn’t score for the third game in a row. Struggled to make an impact on the right-hand side, no surprise that he was withdrawn just after the hour mark. Not a good day at the office for the United youngster. 5

Juan Mata

Looks a perfect fit in that number 10 role, did most of the things well. Majority of United’s play went through him. Disappeared slightly in the second half, when United struggled to make an impact. 6

Anthony Martial

United’s best player this afternoon, scored a beautiful goal with a delicate chip over the Sunderland keeper. Due to poor service in the second half, couldn’t do much. 8

Wayne Rooney

Did a lot of running without the desired impact. He came into this game high on confidence but struggled a lot like his whole team. 6