Manchester United came up trumps against league leaders Chelsea, as they helped themselves to a comfortable 2-0 win at the Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League.
United went ahead as early as the 7th minute when Marcus Rashford got on the end of a lovely pass from Ander Herrera to coolly slot past Asmir Begovic in the Chelsea goal. The home team were in control and continued to create chances in the first period, but spurned some great opportunities, and went into the break just one goal ahead.
The Red Devils doubled their advantage just four minutes into the second half, with Ander Herrera’s shot taking a deflection off N’Golo Kante, before ending up into the net. United continued to control the game, never letting Chelsea a sight on goal and ran out comfortable winners in the end.
The win sees United move back into the fifth position, four points behind neighbours Manchester City who occupy the fourth place. The title race though is thrown wide open by the result as Chelsea losing meant Tottenham Hotspur are just four points behind the leaders. Here is how the United players fared on the day:
David De Gea – 6/10
Hardly tested by the Chelsea side on his return to the side. Did well when called upon from high balls and crosses. Calm presence at the back.
Antonio Valencia – 7/10
Had the license to romp forward with Herrera marking Eden Hazard and did so with great vigour. Another energetic performance, providing impetus moving forward.
Eric Bailly – 7.5/10
Did well to neutralize the threat of Diego Costa. Never really allowed the Spaniard’s antics to affect him and went about his job, making several important tackles and blocks.
Marcos Rojo – 7.5/10
Once again led from the back. Kept his composure, despite several attempts from Costa to provoke him. Has developed great understanding with Bailly and is finally looking the part in the United backline.
Matteo Darmian – 7/10
Probably his best display of the season. Dealt brilliantly with the threat of Pedro, shadowing him for the entire game. Quietly effective.
Ander Herrera – 9/10
Set up Rashford for the opener with a delightful through ball, before getting himself on the scoresheet via a deflection. Took Eden Hazard completely out of the game with his excellent man-marking. A colossal performance.
Paul Pogba – 6/10
Another underwhelming performance characterized by poor touches and lazy distribution. But did use his physicality well to help United stay on top in the midfield.
Marouane Fellaini – 7/10
Not very productive, yet very effective in the middle of the park. Often criticized by the supporters, Fellaini has been showing his worth in recent weeks, as he battled well with the likes of Kante and Nemanja Matic.
Jesse Lingard – 6/10
Did not see the ball as much as he would have liked, but his movement off the ball allowed Rashford to prosper. Worked hard and pressed the Chelsea players into making errors.
Ashley Young – 7/10
His first game as United captain, the veteran winger did not disappoint. Worked his socks off throughout the game, although his shooting could have been so much better. Showed great willingness to dribble into the box and set Herrera up for the second.
Marcus Rashford – 9/10
The teenager was absolutely electric on the day. Opened the scoring with a lovely run and finish and kept causing all sorts of problems to the Chelsea defence all day long. Pacey, strong and powerful. Was taken off to a rousing ovation in the 82nd minute. One of his best ever performances.
Substitutes
Michael Carrick – 6/10
Came on for Lingard around the hour mark. Was overrun at times, but tidied things up.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – NA
Replaced Rashford with less than 10 minutes left to play.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah – NA
Came on for Ashley Young in the dying minutes.