Brilliant Mata – The Best And The Worst Rated Manchester United Players vs West Ham

The Red Devils secured a 6th Premier League win on the spin away from home on Monday evening at the expense of the Hammers, and the victory saw them draw level on points with Tottenham ahead of the north Londoners clash with Chelsea at the White Hart Lane on Wednesday evening.

Mata and Ibrahimovic scored their 4th and 13th Premier League goals of the season respectively in the 2nd half to down Slaven Bilic’s men after a spirited display from the hosts that kept United at bay despite playing against 10 men from the 15th minute.

The difference in numbers counted for nothing until few minutes after the 1-hour mark, after Rashford and Mata, both 2nd half substitutes, combined to have a say on the result.

While a mix up that saw Herrera steal possession at the edge of West Ham’s box allowed Ibrahimovic a chance to strike a shot too powerful for the otherwise brilliant Randolph.

The victory is United’s first in their last 5 Premier League meetings with the Hammers, and a look is taken at how Jose Mourinho’s charges fared.

De Gea

The 26-year-old goalie made his 250th appearance for the club and kept his 7th clean sheet of the season having made brilliant stops to deny Lanzini and Antonio.

Rating: 10/10

Valencia

Could have put United in front in the 1st half but spurned the chance.

Wasn’t any spectacular and neither was he any poor, though he barely came correct with the few crosses he made into the opponent’s box.

Rating: 6/10

Jones

Looked unruffled despite the hostility he received from West Ham fans following his involvement in Feghouli’s sending off.

Kept the backline secured and proved smart with his positional sense more than once.

Rating: 7/10

Rojo

Could have put United in trouble after almost gifting Antonio a goal.

Apart from that, he was a more composed version of his normal rough-tackling self. Perhaps, the fear of Mark Dean played a huge factor.

Rating: 7/10

Darmian

Had little to do at the back but couldn’t contribute effectively to the attack as Mourinho tried to stretch West Ham after their deficit in men.

Was promptly removed after the 1st half.

Rating: 5/10

Carrick

Another inspired display in deep midfield from the veteran who made sure his defence was rarely exposed while also initiating attacks from the middle.

Rating: 7/10

Herrera

Got a bruise for his efforts, got an assist and almost got a goal.

Superb display once again from the Spaniard who is now fully at home with his role.

Rating: 8/10

Lingard

Couldn’t score an empty net from 5 yards after Randolph saved Valencia’s effort and barely had any moment worth remembering before his withdrawal.

Rating: 5/10

Pogba

Made most attempts on goal as usual and always came close to making something happen.

Rating: 8/10

Mkhitaryan

Not his day.

Couldn’t make most of his runs on the right of the midfield and looked fatigued in the 2nd half before being withdrawn after Mata’s goal.

Rating: 5/10

Ibrahimovic

Wrapped up a vital victory for United with his strike and always threatened the West Ham backline with his buildup play.

Rating: 8/10

SUBSTITUTES

Mata

Came on to replace Darmian at the beginning of the restart and proved an inspired sub off the bench.

Rating: 8/10

Rashford

Inspired yet another win for Manchester United off the bench as he raced inside West Ham’s box to tee up Mata – who wasted no time powering a shot into the back of the net.

Rating: 8/10

Smalling

Late Substitute.

Rating: N/A