Manchester United Player Ratings vs Spurs
Manchester United produced one of their best performances in recent times as they humbled Tottenham 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday to move to within 2 points of second-placed Manchester City. Louis van Gaal’s side produced a clinical and determined performance as the Tottenham defence had no answer to United’s aggressive possession based football.
The Home side was on fire as Fellaini, Mata, Rooney and Young left the Tottenham defence chasing shadows in the early going. United now travel to Anfield next Sunday looking to strengthen their hold in the Top 4.
Let’s take a look at how the United players fared in a game many backed Tottenham to come away with an away victory.
David De Gea – 7
Very little to do except an early scare resulting from a Phil Jones back pass that had the Spaniard scrambling.
Antonio Valencia – 7
Tidy, forceful and committed to the cause. A much better defensive display from the Ecuadorian.
Chris Smalling – 7.5
Composed with the ball and made one or two surging runs into forward areas. Dealt well with the threat of danger man Harry Kane.
Phil Jones – 7
An improvement on his disappointing second half display against Arsenal in the FA Cup, Phil Jones looked confident and assertive at the back.
Daley Blind – 7.5
In a left back role where he hasn’t played for a while, Daley Blind made sure Andros Townsend and Nacer Chadli barely got a sniff all evening. And then there’s his well-timed runs down the left flank which provided another outlet.
Michael Carrick – 9
Magical performance from the returning Michael Carrick. Ran the show from his holding role, penetrative with his passing and unmissable at the back with his break-up play. A rare headed goal added to his wonderful evening.
Ander Herrera – 7
Excellent movement, comfortable onthe ball and always looking for the incisive pass.
Juan Mata – 7
Ever present in the game, the Spaniard looked like he is showing signs he can adjust to United’s system.
Ashley Young – 8
The constant outlet all evening for Louis van Gaal’s side, Ashley Young gave Kyle Walker a nightmare. His corner led to the Michael Carrick goal which doubled the lead.
Marouane Fellaini – 8.5
Can’t blame Louis van Gaal for playing to his team strengths and while the long ball approach to Fellaini may not be the United way, it is proving effective. And with his movement and passing as well as a glorious left-footed finish, the Belgian is proving he is no one-trick pony.
Wayne Rooney – 8
In his center forward role, Rooney seemed to thrive playing in an advanced position and made all the rumors in the morning papers look stupid as he ran through the Spurs defence to beat four defenders and slotted it calmly past the keeper. And what was to follow was a knockout punch celebration fit that matched the quality of the finish.
Substitutes :
Pereira – 6
Did the dirty defensive work in the latter stages of the game.
Rafael – NA
Falcao – NA