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Mata The Saviour Once Again – The Best And The Worst Rated Manchester United Stars vs Norwich City

Manchester United made four changes to the squad that held Leicester City at Old Trafford last time out. The star man Anthony Martial picked up a hamstring injury during warm-up, so he was replaced by the struggling Manchester United star, Memphis Depay. Marcus Rashford and Daley Blind were given the much deserved rest while Rooney and Marcos Rojo replaced them respectively. Valencia kept his right back position intact, while Darmian was deployed at left and suspended Marouane Fellaini was replaced by Ander Herrera.

With Martial out of the game, United were lacking the pace up front in the entire time. And yet again, gave a poor performance away from home.

Norwich, on the other hand, had only one shot that troubled De Gea. Both the teams were lacking in tempo, in aggression, and both of them seem like playing just for the formality.

De Gea- 6/10

A glorious opportunity came knocking the door of Cameron Jerome in the 3rd minute, but Manchester United’s player of the year was quick to deny the English professional. Besides that, had nothing to do in the entire game.

Valencia- 5/10

An average game, nothing much to talk about his performance.

Rojo- 4/10

Struggled a lot against Jerome in the entire game. Gave him space to head the ball which was denied by De Gea, and allowed him to get past through very easily. Even in the second half, he was nowhere near his marker and that allowed Norwich to have some clear headers from inside the box.

Smalling- 6.5/10

Should have done better to give his side a lead, but saw his header flew over the bar. Was strong enough in the first half, but was troubled by Jerome by his intense pressing at times. Controlled the defence well in the rest of the game.

Darmian- 3/10

Picked up a knock in the 12th minute of the game and eventually left the field.

Carrrick- 6/10

As usual, he was good in keeping up in possession, but didn’t threaten the oppositions at all.

Herrera- 6/10

Played a crucial role for Manchester United in the first half; tracked back when in need and supported the attack as well. Made a heroic attempt to score a goal, but hit the side netting. Had another opportunity to increase the lead in the dying minutes of the game, but fired the shot away from the post.

Mata- 7/10

Honestly speaking, he was wasted on the flanks. Should have been deployed at the number 10 role as he is quick and so accurate in his passing. Scored the first goal for his team and performed well in the game.

Lingard- 5.5/10

Quite surprisingly, worked as number 10 man to support Wayne Rooney. Had and average first half and a poor second one. Nowhere near his best and was eventually replaced by Schneiderlin.

Depay- 5/10

Was very sloppy in the first half of the game. His passes were not sticking; first touch was very poor, his reading was poor and struggled to fight for the ball as well.

Rooney- 6.5/10

Started the game as a striker, but never ever looked like one. Lacked the attacking instinct throughout the game, but played a major part in United’s first goal as his unselfishness was the only reason for the same. Was brilliant in his passing and picking up the players.

Subs-

Borthwick Jackson- 4.5/10

Came on to replace the injured Italian, Matteo Darmian early in the first half. He was supposed to change the course of the game, but instead gave Norwich some chances. Was very poor in his defending.

Schneiderlin- 5/10

Came on to replace Jesse Lingard in the second half. Had a great chance to double the lead for United, but missed the target very badly.

Fosu-Mensah- N/A

Came on to replace Carrick in the dying minutes of the game.