Manchester United made a big statement on their opening day of the 2017/18 Premier League season, hammering West Ham United 4-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the day.
United bossed the possession in the first-half, but couldn’t find a way through, much like most of last season, until Marcus Rashford sent Romelu Lukaku through. The big Belgian thumped a left-footed shot off the post and into the net to make it 1-0.
The summer signing made it 2-0 with a great header in the second period, before substitute Anthony Martial finished with great finesse late in the game to make it three. Paul Pogba then added the icing on the cake with a driving strike in the added minute, to send Jose Mourinho’s side to the top of the Premier League standings.
Let’s take a look as to how the United players fared on the day:
Firm stop to deny Edimilson Fernandes on the cusp of half-time. Had absolutely nothing to do after that.
Full of energy and exuberance. Offered great drive down the right-hand side and was never caught out defensively either. Booked for a foul on Marko Arnautovic.
Booked for an unnecessary foul on Chicharito in the first-half. But apart from that, he looked very comfortable, with West Ham never really threatening.
Solid as a rock. Dealt with everything that came his way with great ease. Never really allowed Javier Hernandez to get into dangerous positions.
Got forward well down the left-hand side, decent crosses and corners. Almost got on the scoresheet in the second period. Encouraging performance.
Absolutely majestic in the middle of the park. Broke up the Hammers building up all day long and recycled the ball really well. Crucial for the first and the fourth goals.
Ran the show. Driving runs from the midfield, some neat skills and exciting footwork. Capped the performance off with a well-taken goal.
Always a danger when on the ball, threading balls in behind the defence. Great delivery for Lukaku’s second goal and a nice little through ball for Martial’s strike.
Should have scored in the first-half, but instead, tried to tee up Lukaku and wasted the opportunity. Buzzed around the box and offered a great guile in the final third.
His slaloming runs down the left flank were a major feature. Put Lukaku through on goal for the opener. Had a curling effort cruelly bounce out off the inside of the post.
Fluffed a half-chance early on, but when the first real opportunity came his way, he made no mistake. Headed in from a free-kick to make it 2-0. Looked extremely sharp, a debut to remember.
Replaced Mata and added numbers to the midfield.
Replaced Rashford and carried on from where he left off. Displayed great composure and calmness for his goal and then set Pogba up for the final one.
Replaced Mkhitaryan in the closing stages.
FRANCE WIN 14-0 🤯Les Bleus score 14 (FOURTEEN) times vs. Gibraltar for their biggest-ever win.…
Aston Villa are having a very fine season so far in the Premier League. The…
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…