Player Ratings: Stoke 0-2 United

A professional performance against a team fighting against the drop, moving us to within 7 points of our 20th league title. It was only fitting that it was our number 20, scoring his 20th goal after a 10 game drought that sealed the points.

After Mondays disappointing defeat against City, it was important to bounce back straight away and get the title wrapped up as soon as possible. Today the boys travelled to the Britannia stadium, traditionally a difficult hunting ground for all who try, however United made light work with a fine performance throughout.

An early goal by Michael Carrick, set United on their way after he poked home from a 3rd minute RVP corner.

United played well for the majority and kept Stoke to mainly strikes from distance. In the second half, RVP was brought down in the box, and the Dutchman stepped up to slot home his first goal after a fairly barren spell.

Man of the match today though, was Wayne Rooney, who played alongside Carrick in midfield. He controlled the game, playing some delightful passes in the process. He matched Stoke’s physicality as well as being good on the ball. Maybe Fergie has saved the Glazers money on buying a new midfielder in the summer?

Player Ratings
David de Gea: Not a great deal to do. Saved everything that came his way and looked calm under pressure. Another clean sheet. 7/10
Phil Jones: After his MOTM exploits against City, Jones maintained his place in the side, but over in the right back slot. Did well once again. 7/10
Rio Ferdinand: Another good display from Uniteds number 5. Having a great season. 7/10
Nemanja Vidic: Commanding and strong at the back as always, a great presence to have against a physical side like Stoke. 7/10
Patrice Evra: A good performance down the left once again. Dealt with Stoke well. 7/10
Antonio Valencia: An improved performance on what we have become accustomed to of late. Made some good driving runs down the wing. Still not the Antonio we saw last year. 7/10
Michael Carrick: Excellent display, again. Good on the ball, linked well with Rooney, as well getting a goal. 8/10
Wayne Rooney: Fantastic in midfield today. Really controlled the tempo and flow. Went forward as well as doing his defensive duties. 9/10
Shinji Kagawa: Pushed out onto the left, but had a really good game. Excellent in control of the ball, drifted inside a lot too finding the spaces. 8/10
Robin van Persie: The wait is over, RVP is back amongst the goals. Had a good game, assisted Carricks goal and provided us with a fantastic celebration! 8/10
Javier Hernandez: Had some good moments but never really threatened the Stoke goal. 6/10


Substitutes
Danny Welbeck: Like Hernandez, didn’t threaten the Stoke goal, but did track back well as Stoke pressed late on. 6/10

What’s up next?
7 points required to take us to our crown, the next 3 are available on Wednesday evening at Upton Park against West Ham. I expect to see a few changes to the lineup to keep it fresh. We also have Aston Villa at Old Trafford next Monday.

About Ben 128 Articles
27 year old football writer from South Yorkshire. United fan and Season Ticket holder in the Sir Alex Ferguson stand.

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