Manchester United finally ended a barren run of reversals as the Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners against Swansea. Micheal Laurup’s side certainly got the better of the reigning Champions in the first half but it was Antonio Valencia who opened the scoring for the home side before Danny Welbeck made the three points safe with an instinctive finish.
Here are United’s player ratings from the encounter.
David De Gea: The young Spanish Goalkeeper was hardly tested throughout the match and had very little to do. His distribution could have been better but thanks to his defenders ahead of him picked up yet another clean sheet at home.
Rating: 2.5/5
Patrice Evra: Worked tirelessly throughout his playing time on the pitch, barged forward whenever needed and was equally good back when tracking back.
Rating: 3/5
Chris Smalling: Was quite effective in keeping Wilfried Bony quiet but inexplicable missed an open goal when it seemed it was easier to score.
Rating: 2/5
Nemanja Vidic: Yet another commanding performance from the Serbian amidst wide speculations of not extending his contract his contract in the summer. Vidic was a man mountain at the back and one of the integral reasons why United kept the clean sheet.
Rating: 3/5
Rafael: The Brazilian yet again produced a lively performance worthy of noting. Demonstrated great energy throughout the ninety minutes and put in a determined performance for the home team.
Rating: 3/5
Danny Fletcher: A sublime performance from the 29 year old who didn’t put a foot wrong today. The Scot with his brilliant passing and dynamism on the ball certainly lighted up the Theatre of Dreams covering every blade of grass on the pitch.
Rating: 3.5/5
Micheal Carrick: Thanks to Fletcher, Carrick looked much assured on the pitch and was employed more of an anchor man, which augurs well for United in the coming weeks when Rooney and Van Persie are set to return.
Rating: 3/5
Shinji Kagawa: The former Borussia Dortmund man showed glimpses of the player he was at Westfallenstadion. Had great energy, covered every part of the pitch and was brilliant going forward. Was unlucky not to score as Leon Britton cleared his goal bound effort off the line.
Rating: 3/5
Anton Valencia: Opened the scoring of the match with an instinctive finish inside the penalty box. The Ecuadorian also showed why he has been playing regularly getting better with each passing game.
Rating: 3/5
Adnan Januzaj: DAZZLING, SUBLIME, IMMACULATE. I am lost of words. Manchester United certainly have a new star on the block with greater things to come in the future.
Rating: 4.5/5
Danny Welbeck: Scored yet again with a delicate finish and was good throughout the game, putting pressure on the Swansea back four and holding the ball up front.
Rating: 3.5/5
Watch the match highlights here: