Man Utd Player Ratings: Man City Clash
The Manchester derby is always a spectacle, a clash of titans, and this year's encounter was no different. While the final score might not have reflected the ebb and flow of the game, individual performances certainly provided plenty to discuss. Let's delve into a detailed breakdown of the Manchester United players' ratings against their cross-city rivals.
Goalkeeper:
Andre Onana (7/10): Onana had a relatively quiet first half but was called into action several times in the second. His commanding presence in the box and several crucial saves prevented the scoreline from being even more embarrassing. He showed excellent reflexes and distribution, proving to be a valuable asset despite the defeat. His performance highlighted why he's a key component of Erik ten Hag's system.
Defenders:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10): Wan-Bissaka offered a solid defensive display, particularly against Jack Grealish, limiting the City winger's impact for significant periods. However, he offered little going forward and lacked the offensive impetus that's often desired from a modern full-back.
Raphael Varane (7/10): Varane was a rock at the back, his experience and composure shining through even under immense pressure. He made vital interceptions and tackles, showcasing his exceptional reading of the game. A strong performance despite the overall result.
Lisandro Martínez (6.5/10): Martínez, as usual, brought his aggressive style of defending. While he won many individual battles, he was occasionally caught out of position, highlighting the challenges he faces against City's fluid attack. He demonstrated his passion and commitment.
Luke Shaw (6/10): Shaw offered decent support down the left flank but struggled to contain the attacking threat of Bernardo Silva. He provided some decent crosses but was defensively vulnerable at times.
Midfielders:
Casemiro (7.5/10): Casemiro once again proved his worth as a defensive midfielder, shielding the backline effectively and breaking up play consistently. His tireless work rate and tactical awareness were key to keeping United in the game. A leader on the pitch.
Mason Mount (6/10): Mount displayed some glimpses of his potential, showing good movement and passing. However, he lacked the final ball and decisive moment to truly influence the game. He needs to build on his performance.
Bruno Fernandes (6.5/10): Fernandes showed flashes of brilliance, creating some opportunities, and displaying his usual tireless energy. However, his performance was somewhat inconsistent. He needs to add more end product.
Forwards:
Marcus Rashford (6/10): Rashford was relatively quiet, struggling to find space against City's tight defense. He created few chances and needs to find a way to be more effective in high-pressure situations.
Antony (5.5/10): Antony’s performance was underwhelming. He was largely ineffective, failing to make a significant impact on the game. He needs to improve his consistency.
Jadon Sancho (6.5/10): Sancho showed some positive moments and was a creative outlet. He was one of the few United players who looked relatively dangerous, but ultimately lacked support to create a telling impact.
Substitutes:
Several substitutes came on, but their impact was limited in the face of Manchester City's dominance. Their ratings would be too subjective to give definite scores.
Overall:
While the scoreline reflects a significant defeat, the individual performances were more nuanced. Certain players showed commendable resilience and skill despite the pressure. Others, however, struggled to match the quality of their opponents. The Manchester Derby always presents a tough challenge, and this match highlighted the areas where Manchester United need further improvement. The focus will now turn towards the next fixture, and further analysis of this game will help shape their preparation.