Going by Manchester United’s dismal showing last afternoon, it is no surprise that Louis van Gaal asked for three months before people start expecting United to hit the ground running. Mata, Rooney and co. failed to turn up as Burnley frustrated the visitors to pick up their first points of the season. Louis van Gaal still awaits his first win in charge at Old Trafford, and the Dutchman will have to wait for the small matter of the international break to get that coveted win under his belt.
Find out how the Premier League’s costliest player and many others faired in this Premier League encounter.
David de Gea – 7
Saved a screamer from David Jones, but had little else to do. Panicked at times with his distribution.
Phil Jones – 6.5
Made up for a couple of fatal errors from Jonny Evans, and looked comfortable in the middle of the back 3. But needs to command the defence better.
Jonny Evans – 6
Made a couple of errors, including a short back pass to De Gea. But showed signs that he is getting back to his best after an injury lay-off.
Tyler Blackett – 6
Bit hurried with his distribution. His aimless long balls never managed to find a teammate. Looks a promising young defender though.
Antonio Valencia – 5.5
Did a decent job defensively, but none of his 12 crosses found a teammate. Really needs to improve his delivery to become an effective wing-back.
Darren Fletcher – 5
Kept getting caught in possession, and is struggling to play week-in week-out in the frenetic Premier League. Fletcher’s days at United could be numbered.
Juan Mata – 5.5
Fell over a really bright chance to give United the lead, but was missing for large parts of the game. The axe could soon fall on Juan Mata, given United have the likes of Di Maria and Januzaj in his position.
Angel Di Maria – 7
Top player, and yet another top performance. Di Maria was United’s best player for the 70 minutes he played and set up Van Persie with a gorgeously shaped pass in the first half.
Ashley Young – 6
Seems to be growing into his role as a wing-back. Could’ve had a penalty or two. Looked bright down the left flank.
Wayne Rooney – 5.5
Wayne Rooney needs to raise his game, or he’s going to leave Van Gaal a very tough choice to make. Didn’t turn up at all against Burnley.
Robin van Persie – 5.5
Getting back to match sharpness, but looked off the pace yesterday. Touch was off and the Dutchman was invisible for long spells.
Substitutes:
Anderson – 6
Did little in an attacking sense. Looked busy in midfield.
Welbeck – 5
Did little to impress the gaffer.
Januzaj – 5
Surely, Januzaj deserves a start in this United team.