Manchester United overtook city rivals Manchester City to reach the summit of the Premier League after an unspectacular yet solid performance against struggling Sunderland.
The Red Devils got going with a Memphis Depay goal at the stroke of half-time and took control of the match with second-half goals from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata.
Here are the Player Ratings from a comfortable afternoon at Old Trafford for Louis van Gaal’s men.
David De Gea – 7
The United goalkeeper had a fairly relaxed afternoon in goal and should be pleased with his clean sheet.
Antonio Valencia – 6.5
The Ecuadorian provided the impetus down the right flank from the early going and looked solid defensively. Final delivery needs to improve.
Chris Smalling – 6.5
Another dominating performance from the most improved United defender this season.
Daley Blind – 7
Excellent ball over the top for Juan Mata to set up Memphis Depay for United’s first.
Matteo Darmian – 7
Excellent versatility from the Italian at left back. Signing of the season in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick – 6.5
Controlled the tempo with his passing and allowed United to boss the midfield.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6.5
Another signing which has added to United’s midfield strength. Schneiderlin was busy and safe with his passing but effective.
Juan Mata – 8
Player of the match, set up Depay for the first and scored the third with a clinical finish from close range.
Memphis Depay – 6.5
Not a great game by his standards, but a first Premier League goal for the Dutchman with a tap in.
Wayne Rooney – 6.5
A goal after a drought of 1000 Premier League minutes without a goal, a close-range header he looked rather embarrassed about. But the skipper will take those as they come.
Anthony Martial – 7.5
Another sizzling performance from the Frenchman, playing with his back to goal at times. Showed pace, agility, strength and composure on the ball throughout and set up Rooney’s goal with excellent control and awareness in the area.
Substitutes
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 6
Phil Jones – 6
Ashley Young – 6