Pogba Stars – The Best And The Worst Rated Manchester United Players vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United scored late in the game to get three points at the Selhurst Park last nightas they won the encounter 2-1 against Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils took the lead in the added time of the first half through Paul Pogba’s strike. But 20 minutes after the break, James McArthur netted a fine finish to equalise for the hosts. After a series of chances went begging, it looked like the match would end in a draw, but Zlatan Ibrahimović would not have it, as he scored a dramatic late goal from a Pogba through ball to seal the game for Mourinho’s men.

The win keeps United in touch with their rivals for the Champions League spot. They occupy the 6^th place in the table currently, 3 points behind 5^th placed Tottenham and 6 points adrift from Manchester City who occupies the final Champions League spot. Let’s assess how each player fared on the night:

David De Gea – 7

Pulled off a breathtaking stop with his fingertips to keep McArthur out. Could not do much for his goal moments later, though. Solid as always in goal.

Eric Bailly – 6

Played in an unfamiliar right-back position, did not get forward much. Took several knocks throughout the first half, but powered through, but was subbed off early in the second half.

Phil Jones – 7

Excellent night for Jones once again. Had a tough task in dealing with Benteke but he hardly put a foot wrong throughout the match. His progress after his return from injury has been remarkable.

Marcos Rojo – 6

After a series of good performances, the Argentine showed his recklessness with a two-footed lunge on Wilfried Zaha, but was lucky to get away with just a yellow card. Looked a liability discipline-wise then on. Offered a good threat from set-pieces though.

Daley Blind – 6

Deployed at left-back, Blind was very solid defensively. But did not get forward as much. Did send in a few crosses, but none of them effective enough.

Michael Carrick – 7

Solid, consistent and tidy in possession. Was caught out of pace at times but made it up with his smart positioning.

Ander Herrera – 7

Busy in midfield as he kept the press on the Palace players. Another hard-working display from the Spaniard. Got forward well, but his shooting from long-range left a lot to be desired.

Paul Pogba – 8

United’s best player on the evening. Was a threat every time he forayed forward and deservedly scored the opener from close range. Set Ibrahimović up for the winner with a lovely through ball.

Juan Mata – 6

Struggled to have a great impact, probably due to the lack of space with Zlatan dropping deep and Rooney also looking to cut in each time. It was his free-kick from which the Swede assisted Pogba for the opener. Was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside.

Wayne Rooney – 7

Looked sharp and lively playing out on the left-flank, especially so in the first-half. Forced two brilliant saves from Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal on either side of the half-time break.

Zlatan Ibrahimović – 7

Dropped too deep at times, but produced two moments of class as he chested down Mata’s free-kick for Pogba to slam it home and then scored the winner with a brilliant finish into the bottom-right corner late in the game.

Substitutes

Matteo Darmian – 6

Replaced the injured Bailly in the second half. Put in a good display.

Jesse Lingard – 6

Came in for Mata with 20 minutes to play. Did manage to test Hennessey with a shot from a difficult angle.

Marcus Rashford – NA

Replaced Rooney for the last 10 minutes. Was booked for a late challenge.