Manchester United Player Ratings vs Aston Villa
A rejuvenated Manchester United outfit led by a Danny Welbeck double kept in act their record at Villa Park as David Moyes’ side brushed aside a hapless looking Aston Villas side by a 3-0 margin. Welbeck scored a well taken brace in the first half as Tom Cleverley put the final nail in the coffin of the home side as the Red Devils got their campaign back in track with a fine display. Here are Manchester United’s player ratings from the match.
David Gea: Was largely un-threatened throughout the match except some soft saves which he made in the first half. Mark Albrighton got his shot on target and so did El Ahmadi but De Gea was safe behind those tame shots.
Rating: 3/5
Rafael: Was tested by the Villa attack but to his credit, always remained calm and composed and never looked out of place. Did wonderfully well in barging forward making incisive runs and tracking back as usual. Was brilliant on the link up play with team mate Anton Valencia on the right as well.
Rating: 3/5
Phil Jones: Positioned himself brilliantly throughout the game as he constantly nullified Christian Benteke’s threat up front. Though he was weak in the air, he did his job overall.
Rating: 2.5/5
Johnny Evans: Was very solid at the back and produced a matured and calm performance on the pitch. Did superbly well with his positioning and no nonsense defending.
Rating: 3.5/5
Patrice Evra: Was as expected from him, went into an altercation with an opposition player in Mark Albrighton, but put in a controlled performance and was at ease in the left back slot.
Rating: 3/5
Ryan Giggs: Yet another solid performance from the United legend, hardly looks as if he is forty. He was later replaced in the second half.
Rating: 2/5
Tom Cleverley: Was given a job and did that with tremendous ease in the middle of the park. Also got on the score sheet to embark a fine performance from the English midfielder.
Rating: 3/5
Adnan Janujaz: The more I see this kid, the more I am convinced of his potential. Hit the post with a thundering header from which Welback managed to score from the rebound. Was always a constant threat for Villa throughout and yet another performance which is beyond his tender age.
Rating: 3/5
Anton Valencia: His incisive runs and pace on the ball gave Villa threat almost every time on the pitch. Spectacular show by the Ecuadorian which might soothe Moyes’ nerves and it was certainly coming.
Rating: 3/5
Wayne Rooney: Played deep at times and performed brilliantly. This guy perhaps can pass from anywhere on the pitch and today’s performance was a perfect epitome of his quality and what United miss when he is off colour or is suspended. Also got an assist for Cleverley’s fine goal in the second half.
Rating: 3/5
Danny Welback: Man of the match for me, scored a fine brace, two goals of immense quality and which depicts poacher’s instincts.
Rating: 4/5
Moyes’ Post Match Interview