Louis van Gaal tasted victory in his very first game at Old Trafford with a 2-1 win that reeked of Fergie’s United. A late winner from Marouane Fellaini sealed the win after a erratic performance in what was a pre-season friendly.
Wayne Rooney missed from the spot before an emotional Darren Fletcher put United ahead in the second half before Fellaini came off the bench to embellish a subdued performance from the home team.
Here are the player ratings from Louis van Gaal’s first game in charge of Manchester United at Old Trafford.
David De Gea – 6
Had precious little to do, but was caught off-guard for the Valencia equaliser. Still remains United’s best goalkeeper and one of the best in the world.
Phil Jones – 7
Phil Jones seems as likely to have a match saving clearance as a costly error. Prone to lapses of concentration, the young England defender looked much more comfortable on the right side of the back 3 and made one sensational recovery tackle to deny Rodrigo Moreno.
Chris Smalling – 6
Chris Smalling still tends to divide opinion among the United faithful. But the former Fulham man seems a lot at home in a back 3 than the right back position he played in last season. Made one decent interception in the early going when Valencia were in behind the United backline.
Tyler Blackett – 7
Looked solid yet again. The arrival of Marcos Rojo will increase competition in the left centre-back position, but Blackett has shown enough promise in the pre-season games to deserve regular opportunities this season. Is likely to be credited with a assist for the late Fellaini winner.
Ashley Young – 7
Ashley Young has moulded his game to fit into the role of the industrious wing-back and looks keen to push forward and support the attack. Technically limited, but United supporters will appreciate his work ethic under Van Gaal.
Darren Fletcher – 7.5
Darren Fletcher finally completes a full pre-season without an injury scare. The Scot looks back to his dynamic best and is complementing Ander Herrera in center midfield. And he will chip in with a few goals throughout the season.
Ander Herrera – 7.5
Seems to be a player tailor-made for this United system. Comfortable on the ball, has an eye for that sensational pass, and does his share of tracking back. He will be a key player for United this season. That pass to free Young on the right in the first half which led to the penalty reeks of his outstanding vision.
Reece James – 6.5
Reece James is only 20 and will only flourish under van Gaal. Can prove to be a decent back-up and competition for Luke Shaw but the arrival of Daley Blind could mean another loan spell for the United youngster.
Juan Mata – 5
Linked up well on occasions with Rooney and Herrera, but had a quiet evening. The system is tailor-made for Mata to dictate the game with his passing and vision. He just needs to deliver when it’s needed.
Wayne Rooney – 5
A terribly frustrating evening for the new United skipper. Was lucky to get the penalty but lashed it against the post. Was at his industrious best, but missed that glorious chance when Januzaj played him in delightfully. Still pre-season though, but Rooney has looked sharp.
Javier Hernandez – 5.5
Failed to convert with one header from close range, but looked all too keen to stretch the Valencia backline with his well-timed runs. Little service throughout the game, but Hernandez does lack a little in the technical side of things. Could prove to be a good back-up for van Persie and Welbeck.
Substitutes
Lingard – 6
Industrious and energetic, but does look a little out of place in a wing back role.
Kagawa – 5
Barely troubled the commentators, let alone the scorers. Quiet night for the Japanese International.
Cleverley – 5.5
Irresponsible sliced clearance led to the Valencia equaliser. Had a good pre-season, but still doesn’t quite look like a United starter. The Cleverley saga continues…
M.Keane – 6
Has potential, but doesn’t look good enough for the first team just yet. Another loan spell is on the cards to a Championship club. Blackburn and Cardiff are said to be interested.
Fellaini – 6.5
Was greeted with ironic cheers every time he touched the ball.The gesture from the fans lacked class but Fellaini responded aptly with a goal.
Januzaj – 7
Looked lively, and added a spark to the game in the final 15 minutes. Interesting to see how Van Gaal fits him in the 3-5-2. Can’t play as a wing back, and too good to be on the bench. But Januzaj could be menace for the Premier League defenders this season after one full season under his belt. Could put pressure on Mata for a starting spot.