Following the disappointing result and performance at the week, it was important for United to get back on track and this midweek victory in the Champions League group stage was the perfect opportunity.
David de Gea: Clean sheet, commanded his box well, good distribution and made a fine first half stop. 7/10
Rafael: Had a reasonable game but was replaced after an hour after being booked in the first half. 6/10
Phil Jones: Defended well, certainly playing in his best position at centre back. Making a claim to be 1st choice alongside Evans. Had a good header on target early in the second half. 7/10
Jonny Evans: Playing alongside Jones again in the heart of defence, looks a solid partnership. Good performance again. 7/10
Patrice Evra: Captain on the night, defended reasonably well, and got forward to support the attack as usual. 6/10
Antonio Valencia: Looked more like his usual self. Bombed up and down on the right hand flank. Had a shot hit the post. 7/10
Michael Carrick: Decent performance in centre midfield but certainly didn’t command it like we have been used to seeing. 6/10
Ryan Giggs: Our 39 year old legend employed in a Central Midfield role again. Did really well at times, less well at others. Showed glimpses of his twinkle toes at times. 6/10
Shinji Kagawa: FINALLY showed David Moyes what he is all about. Excellent footwork and movement throughout. Makes the game look so easy and delicate. More please Moyes! 8/10
Wayne Rooney: Continued his fine streak of performances. Made the goal after dancing through the Sociedad defence before hitting the post. Dropped deep and played well throughout. 8/10
Javier Hernandez: Scored a typical Hernandez goal…one that had to be ruled out for offside. But he offered an option up top, held the ball up. Was replaced by Ashley Young. 6/10
Substitutes
Chris Smalling: Replaced Rafael and did well at Right Back 6/10
Ashley Young: Replaced Hernandez, played on the left and allowed Kagawa to play more centrally. Did reasonably well. 6/10
So another 3 points in the Champions League, it takes us to top of the group and almost the the knockout stages. The games come thick and fast though at this time of year, and on Saturday, Stoke are the visitors to Old Trafford. Let’s hope for a similar performance and certainly for 3 more points in the league. We certainly need them at the minute. It would be great to see some more of Kagawa.
I thought Hernandez did really well up the front.. presses hard and gave defenders a torrid time.. Kagawa was slick last night.. some amazing turns.. lacks the street smartness though.. should have hammered that first time.. should work on his finishing.. lot of tame shots.. great to see him get back though.. roon looked much sharper than the weekend. but what impressed me most was our defence.. jones and evans in the centre.. they cut out a lot of balls to the forward line.. jones especially.. he gets ahead of the forward to nick it.. time an dtime again.. we’ll see evans, jones and smalling gradually replace vida-rio this season..
Agree with all. Kagawa was absolutely superb to watch last night.