The Red Devils failed to replicate their Leicester’s form against a lowly Stoke City side last weekend and their wastefulness in front of goal saw them lose 2 crucial points, subsequently crippling their efforts to close the gap between them and the table-topping sides.
Mourinho’s tactical brilliance looked to have paid off as Martial came off from the bench to instant effect. But Joe Allen’s equalizer with 8 minutes from time meant the team would be left to rue their missed chances. United were the dominating side, but were lacking poorly in the final third.
So here is how the players fared:
De Gea
Hardly got called into action much all day, but failed to deal with a deflected strike late on, and Allen pounced after the ball had hit the upper bar to seal a comeback for the Potters.
Rating : 2/5
Valencia
Couldn’t constitute any attacking threat as he is normally known for as he left the duties for Lingard. Got booked for an unnecessary foul, but did well keeping Arnautović at bay.
Rating : 3/5
Smalling
Rarely had much to do as his partner in the heart of the defence was all over the place at the back. An overall average performance.
Rating : 3/5
Bailly
Made a couple of clearances in the first half and helped reduce Bony’s threat. He also intercepted Arnautović more than once and had a solid performance. Definitely the best defender available to Mourinho at the moment.
Rating : 4/5
Blind
Played at left back once again and made great efforts during dead balls situations. But his defensive contribution was below par and was caught out before the equalizer.
Rating : 3/5
Pogba
Lost a clear-cut chance in the opening minutes of the game as he blasted wide when he could have done better. Lost possession of the ball a few times and also struck the frame of the of the post. His only positive contribution of note was a fine pass he laid onto Zlatan’s way, but the Swede failed to convert.
Rating : 2/5
Herrera
Definitely a better option alongside Pogba in midfield than Fellaini. He helped in regaining the possession quickly whenever it was lost. Also attempted some long range efforts before getting withdrawn after Stoke’s goal.
Rating : 3/5
Lingard
Played it safe for most part of the game, but had some poor touches and was timid to express his attacking instincts until his substitution.
Rating : 2/5
Mata
Had a good game and looked to have permanently nailed down a starting place at the expense of Rooney. Made some connecting passes and held possession well. Was withdrawn in the 67th minute.
Rating : 3/5
Rashford
Was lively for a majority of the first half, but failed to get his crosses right. Couldn’t do much in the 2nd period, perhaps as a result of fatigue having ran himself out earlier on. Not one of his days.
Rating : 2/5
Ibrahimovic
Missed a sitter!!!
Missed more chances in the 2nd half and got a yellow card.
Rating : 2/5
SUBSTITUTES
Martial
Came on as Lingard’s replacement and immediately made an impact with a great curve to end a 10-game barren run in front of goal for United.
Rating : 4/5
Rooney
Brought in to replace Mata, and just like he unintentionally assisted in the Europa league, he got one against Stoke. Also provided some crosses.
Rating : 2/5
Depay
His introduction was some sort of a joker move as United searched for an unlikely winner. He had no impact whatsoever.
Rating : 1/5
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