Can't believe that someone hasn't done this yet. I know, it's easy to get caught up with the going ons at Arsenal and what they are going to do, so I thought I'd shift some focus back onto United. De Gea- 8.5/10 Thought he was particularly good, with the penalty save, double save from Arshavin and RVP and the RVP volley which was excellent. Should have done better with Walcott's goal, couldn't have done much about RVPs. Both goals we conceded were more sloppy than anything else IMO. Another note, his distribution is ridiculously good, he's probably a better footballer than some English midfielders! (tee hee ) One example I remember quite well was when he plucked a cross out of the air, took a few step and stuck it on Hernandez's foot from about 70 yards away. It is something that our defenders have to get used to, both because VDS's distribution wasn't always brilliant and generally keepers in this country play longer from the ground than look to pass out or kick from in the air directly. Smalling- 8/10 Looks like he's played there for donkeys of years. Nothing else to say that hasn't been already said about this impressive footballer. Jones- 7.5/10 Probably seems like a harsh rating(!) compared to others but was solid. Loves pushing forward with the ball at his feet. He is going to be a star, thankfully Arshavin's lunge (could have been a red card) didn't do too much damage. Evans- 7.5/10 Again, you might think it was a bit wierd giving Jonny the same rating as Phil considering that he gave away the penalty. Think it was harsh nonetheless but he had a very solid game. Looks to be the Evans that threatened to take Rio's first team spot when he first broke into the first team with fantastic performances. I believe he has been at the club since he was 12, I think people often forget that he is a product of our youth system that is churing out a current generation of fine talents. Evra-8/10 Was at fault for Walcott's goal (along with De Gea) by getting too narrow. More out of sloppiness than anything else. It was his best game for a long while- don't think I'm the only one that has noticed Patrice looking a bit disinterested (for want of another word) at times. He did come out and say that SAF convinced him not to leave OT a while back but after his debut, was an ever present, probably played more games than anyone else when we won three titles back to back and won the CL so fatigue could have been an issue. Nevertheless, back to his best our Mad Pat. Nani-7/10 Scored a magnificant goal. If I remember correctly (MOTD didn't show all of it), Arsenal had a corner from the left, we defended it out towards the right corner flag, played it really well with Evans and Evra to Young on the touchline, switched it to Smalling on the opposite flank, inside to Rooney, clever little ball into Nani who impudently chipped it over Szczezny. Other than that, solid if unspectacular game, should have scored a few more, but then the same could have been said about a few players! He did his more than his fair share in defence as well, put in a couple of tackles as well so that side of his game is getting ever more developed as well. Has his arrogance, but that is the point of Nani. Cleverley- 8/10 This young boy continues to impress. Still has to work hard to become a fully fledged central midfielder but he physically dominated the likes of Ramsey and Coq-un-vin (or whatever his name is). Range of passing is getting better, ever more Scholes like. Even puts himself about. Great player in the making. Anderson- 8.5/10 Another fine, fine performance. Scholes-esque assist for Welbeck's goal, certainly not too dissimilar to Scholes's assist for Rooney's first in the classic 3-2 CL semi final 1st leg win over AC Milan in 2007. Physically so strong for someone who isn't that tall. Powerful, quick, flair, an eye for a pass and now an eye for a goal. Could be that the penny has finally dropped as it did with Nani. Young- 9/10 As many have said, surely MOTM if not for Rooney. It seems like playing with better players (no offence to Aston Villa) has raised Young's game. A natural United player it seems. To be honest, I'll admit that I didn't think he'd make our TEAM much better but would make our SQUAD much better. He has proven me wrong in a way that I don't mind! Rooney- 9/10- my MOTM Could have had a hat trick of indirect freekicks (why did Ando have to go off!?), probably something unheard of certainly at Premier League level. Sumptuous. Hit the post with a majestic lob over Szczezny from 25 yards. Brilliant. My MOTM because he got my 38 points for my fantasy team! Sorry Ashley! Welbeck-7.5/10 Another game, another goal. Danny is looking quite adept at playing as a fully fledged striker. Bad news about the hamstring, really hope that it doesn't set him back too much as he probably would have cemented his place in the first team after yesterday's game. Noticeable how our linkup play between the forwards wasn't as good when Hernandez came on, a testament to how good the Fresh Prince (of Bel Air to those elderly people that don't know what I'm on about ) is with the ball at his feet. Subs Hernandez- 7/10 Great to see the little Pea back. Looked as sharp as ever, think he got caught offside 3 times and caused many problems to the Arsenal backline with their ridiculous tactics and high defensive line. Park- 7/10 Got his habitual goal against Arsenal. Dynamic as always in defence and attack. Could have scored the ninth, probably should have considering how good a finisher he normally is. Again, great to see him back, shows what options we have on the bench. Giggs- 7/10 Another season rolls by and nothing changes. Still ridiculously good on the ball and still getting assists. Would have liked to have seen him take the penalty just to continue his run of scoring in every single Premier League season but I've got no doubt that he'll get his first goal sooner rather than later.
i agree with your ratings for the match,eventhough it wasnt a perfect performance because of the goals we conceded. and motm is a tough one.flip of the coin really,but i thought young just nicked it.
I'm not too worried by the conceded goals because let's not forget that it was very much a makeshift defence against Arsenal. Get Vidic/Ferdinand/Rafael back things will be better.
I agree. You have to accept it with such a young defence, barring Evra, that they are going to make mistakes or not be perfect positionally or make the perfect decision all the time. Also, you have to accept that with such an attacking midfield, we are going to be a bit more exposed than we normally would with say a midfield of Valencia, Carrick, Anderson and Nani. Having said that, I hope we don't get into a mentality of "we'll just score more than you". I don't think we will considering the influence that the likes of Rio, Vidic and VDS have had on this club with their abilities in defence.
Definitely agree with that - as good as Jones was I think he made an error for the second goal. Sprinting back like he was, he should have put the ball out for a corner rather than leave it in play with himself in the back of the net, leaving RVP unmarked and onside. Not a major error, and not a criticism, but something that will come with experience imo. Likewise with Evans getting a bit caught out for Walcott's goal.
De Gea 8 Smalling 8.5 Jones 7.5 Evans 7 Evra 8 going forward 4 in defence Nani 8 seen on other forums Nani getting 4/10 and ****. Stupid ****s, he tore his defender to shreds and wasnt anywhere near top form. Cleverley 8 Anderson 8 Young 9 Rooney 10 Welbeck 7 SUBS: Hernandez 5 Didnt do anything Park 7 Giggs 6.5
De Gea 8 - made one error, but made some good saves and i went mental as he saved his penalty. Doesn't seem nervous despite the early games. Smalling 8 - One of the most natural players I've seen. Defensively solid but still lacks the end product to play RB continuously Evans 7.5 - Good and unspectacular, just how he should be. Looks to have shaken off last years form and will leave SAF with problems on who is the no.1 CB cover Jones 8 - Looks like he's partnered Evans for years and looks to enjoy bringing the ball out himself. Shows so much promise. Evra 6.5 - Starting to get irritated with Patrice. His decision making is getting poor and he still lacks great end product as he advances up the wing. This should be resolved by young but he still looks off his game defensivley Nani 7 - Did nothing of merit til he scored. Didn't do much wrong either. Cleverley 8 - Good game and his passing is great at times. Doesn't look phased by playing for united in such an important role and he links up with anderson and young well Anderson 8 - Same as tom. He seems to be starting to show some of the potential we knew he had. Also appears to be more confident (the no look pass last week and the welbeck assist) He and Cleverley both need to improve more on their defensive game as they seem to give the opposition a lot of room to manoeuvre. Young 8.5- Looks like the best buy of the lot. His Crossing is on par with Valencia's IMO and he has a great shot on him. Still don't know why he doesn't take all the corners, we've seen why he doesn't take free-kicks . Welbeck 7.5- Would be higher if he'd played the full game. He looks hungry and, like cleverley, unphased by playing for such a great team. Seems inconsistent in games but that will come with experience. He showed some more touches of class and seems to have a bright looking future. Rooney 9 - Pure class. Hernandez 7.5- Looked dangerous at times and caused arsenal problems. Seems to have lost pace? that could just be me. I'm also not sure whether this new playing style will suit him as well as last year as we seem to attack further up the pitch with less room in behind. Still, that could be me talking bollocks, i'm not his coach. Cba to do the other substitutes, the game was gone by then
De Gea Smalling Jones Evans Evra Nani Cleverley Anderson Young Rooney Welbeck SUBS: Hernandez Park Giggs for anyone else who wants to do them.
Hernandez did nothing bar get caught offside tbh, hes not up to form just yet but hes had a knock and a busy summer so give him time.
He did win the free kick that got Jenkinson sent off, but I doubt he'd have scored from that position had he not got barged over.
And his name seemed to resonate with the other defenders. They seemed to be always keeping one eye on him and i thought this let the others have chances.
It was a ruthless performance by Man United against Arsenal, but De Gea was at fault for Walcotts goal. He's still unconvincing and as for his penalty save, Van Persie didn't strike it at all well and the De Gea was expected to save it as it was hit with no conviction.
Meh, he could have done better, but it was hit hard and low while he was still moving to cover the near post. No one was near Walcott when he started his run, when the pass played everyone just stood there and watched. I'd imagine if Evra or Young was breathing down his neck, he would have been lucky to get his shot on target.
Why weren't they? Isn't it the full-backs job to mark the opposition winger?, and if he's caught out of position, isn't the wingers job to cover up and mark the opposition winger? You've just pointed out neither Evra or Young were doing their job. I still think De Gea should not have let that shot go under his body, he should have saved it. He had however no chance with Arsenals second goal, he wasn't at fault for that.
Despite the first goal I think De Gea had a pretty good game. The potential is definitely there, and it's not like he wasn't made to do any work by Arsenal.
That's what I was saying. Young and Evra should be at fault for the first goal. De Gea could have done better. But you can make that case with most goals.
