A spirited performance from Manchester United ensured that the Red Devils overcame some early jitters to beat Aston Villa by 4-1 in the early lunch time kickoff at old Trafford. Ashley Westwood’s sumptuous free kick had given Paul Lambert’s side the lead but a Wayne Rooney brace ensured United would go into the break with their noses in front. Juan Mata should have scored his first goal in a United shirt, but thanks to Leandro Bacuna, who brought him down inside the crowded penalty box which led to Rooney’s second of the night.
However, after the break, Mata scored the long awaited goal after being set up by Fellaini and Javier Hernandez then completed the riot with a goal in the 90th minute. Here are Manchester United’s player ratings from Old Trafford.
David De Gea: Could do nothing from Westwood’s brilliantly taken set piece but the Spaniard was hardly troubled by the Villa attack even though the away side’s relentless pressure on the ball gave United’s back four a hard time.
Rating: 3/5
Rafael: The right back had a shocker and was responsible for conceding the free kick that led to the goal, following Agbonlahor’s burst of pace to get past him. Got a booking for the cynical challenge and was replaced by Carrick at half time, the latter who had jittery moments of his own too playing at centre back.
Rating: 1/5
Phil Jones: Was drafted to right back from the start of the second half and was fairly comfortable in the role. Did his job to perfection.
Rating: 2.5/5
Nemanja Vidic: The Serbian was constantly bullied by Benteke, and did not appear comfortable alongside Carrick but to his credit did not concede. Needs to be at his best against Bayern Munich though.
Rating: 2.5/5
Alexander Buttner: For me, he had a good game following the booking he received in the first half. He was always up for it thanks to his tireless running overlapping Kagawa on the left flank to provide crosses into the penalty box.
Rating: 2.5/5
Maroune Fellaini: Had an average game but looked present in midfield at least after being anonymous against Manchester City in midweek. Responsible for Mata’s goal.
Rating: 3/5
Darren Fletcher: Ever present in the middle of the pitch with his wonderful array of passing and laid the foundation for his side.
Rating: 3/5
Juan Mata: Had a superb game, my man of the match, starting in his favourite number ten role. His link up play with Kagawa was one of the positives for David Moyes. Scored his first goal for United too, with a neat finish.
Rating: 4/5
Shinji Kagawa: The Japanese was in the thick of things for the home side, linking up time and against with Mata in midfield. Provided that delightful ball to Mata leading up to the second goal. Had a great game and was subbed off by Adnan Januzaj, the latter who got a glorious assist of his own feeding Javier Hernandez for United’s fourth.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ashley Young: Terrible game for someone who had a disappointing afternoon. Hardly anything worth mentioning.
Rating: 1.5/5
Wayne Rooney: Two goals and yet another brilliant display from the English International. One of the very few bright lights for United this season.
Rating: 4/5
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