Full Time: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Manchester United
Manchester United crashed to a humbling 2-1 defeat to minnows Huddersfield Town in the Premier League yesterday. The two sides met for the first time in Premier League history but it did not go according to plan for the Red Devils, as mistakes from Juan Mata and Victor Lindelof saw Aaron Mooy and Laurent Depoitre put the ball in the back of the net for the Terriers. A headed goal from Marcus Rashford in the 71st minute set up a tense finale, but the home side held on for all 3 points and thus managed to beat the Manchester-based outfit for the first time in 65 years.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea – 5.5
The Spaniard would have made Premier League history had he managed to keep a clean sheet at the John Smith stadium but that was not to be. He managed a smart save off Ince’s shot but Mooy was there to tuck it in from the rebound. His distribution also seemed to be off the mark for most of the game.
Antonio Valencia – 5
The Ecuadorian has not been at his best ever since that draw against Liverpool and he had a hard time in containing Ince yesterday. In fact, he rarely got to do his trademark overlaps but he did make some decent interceptions while defending.
Phil Jones – 6.5
The Englishman has been United’s most consistent player this season but old injury problems seem to have got the better of him once again. A full-bloodied tackle in the first half saw him leave the pitch early and United never seemed to have a chance after that.
Chris Smalling – 4
Horrible in coming out with the ball at his feet and was unable to take up better positions while defending, the Englishman was lucky to come out of the game without making any significant mistake. Underlines the importance of Eric Bailly in the squad.
Ashley Young – 4.5
The Englishman put a decent shift in the left-back position but while overlapping, his crosses were almost always off the mark. One wonders how long will it be till Luke Shaw makes a return to the side.
Nemanja Matic – 6.5
Easily United’s best player in the midfield, he repeatedly helped in sorting out the defence and even carried the ball forward and tried to set the wingers free on multiple occasions. He certainly deserves better.
Ander Herrera – 4
The Spaniard was once hailed as the future captain of the side but is currently struggling to nail down a role in the midfield. He was overpowered and dispossessed on multiple occasions and was looked miserable with the ball at his feet as well.
Juan Mata – 4
The Spaniard failed to make anything happen in the first half and his mistake led to United conceding the first goal. He tried to drop deep and make things happen but the idea backfired on him.
Jesse Lingard – 4
The Englishman started in the No. 10 position but went missing throughout the game as he was given no room to run or to make movements. Needs to improve a lot.
Anthony Martial – 4
Another forward who was completely off-colour. The Frenchman tried to make things happen by cutting inside but he was crowded out and ended up losing the ball more often than not.
Romelu Lukaku – 5.5
United’s second best player up front. His cross led to Rashford’s goal but other than that, he was largely anonymous. Having failed to score in 3 back-to-back-to-back games now, his lethargic movement and inability to hold the ball and bring others into play is proving to be quite a headache for Jose Mourinho.
Subs:
Victor Lindelof – 3
Had a shocker of a game. The Swedish centre-back was brought in for Phil Jones and he struggled to fit into the Englishman’s shoes. His inability to head the ball clear led to United conceding for a second time.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5
Tried to make things happen from the attacking midfield position but lack of support around him prevented him from putting on a good show. Did give a couple of key passes and made some of those trademark runs.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Eaisly United’s best player in the attacking half. The 20-year-old scored his 7th goal of the season and is gradually turning out to be a reliable goal-getter for the Old Trafford outfit. Needs better support around him though.