Man United player ratings vs Man City: 2/10 embarrasses, Rashford dazzles
Man City fought back from a goal down to beat Man United 3-1 on Sunday afternoon to avoid a derby upset at the Etihad Stadium.
The opening three goals came from academy stars with Marcus Rashford striking first for the visitors with a powerful effort from range before Phil Foden usurped him in the second half with two brilliantly taken goals.
Erling Haaland capped off a brilliant second-half performance by the hosts with a neat finish in injury time.
City’s victory means they trail Liverpool by just one point ahead of their title clash at Anfield next week – United remain sixth and have a six-point gap to close to Tottenham in fifth.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Andre Onana [6]
Onana has made a slow start to his United career but he can hold his head high after Sunday’s display.
His pin-point distribution was integral in United’s plan to expose City’s high line and it was his long ball that found Bruno Fernandes for the opener.
Made a huge save to deny Phil Foden a one-on-one opportunity in the first half.
Diogo Dalot [6]
A consistent performer in a very volatile United team. He matched Jeremy Doku step-for-step and joined in attacks whenever possible with lung-busting overlaps.
Very comfortable in possession and did well to resist City’s press by staying composed and playing out from the back.
Jonny Evans [5]
Had a moment of madness in the first half that presented a one-on-one opportunity to Foden, but Evans showed his experience in the heart of United’s backline to put on a strong defensive display.
However, he made too many misplaced passes in the second half and was taken off with 20 minutes to go for Willy Kambwala.
Raphael Varane [5]
Tasked with keeping Erling Haaland quiet, the World Cup winner mostly did a good job. The Norwegian star finally found his goal in injury time but Varane won the majority of their duels before United collapsed late on.
If United are planning to release the Frenchman this summer then they need to make sure a world-class replacement is lined up.
Victor Lindelof [2]
United’s ‘Ice-man’ looked anything but cool and composed at left-back in a display that was embarrassing for a match of such significance.
The Red Devils have struggled to fill the void left by an injured Luke Shaw and the decision to not extend Sergio Reguilon’s loan deal in January becomes more puzzling by the day.
Lindelof was entirely at fault for the equaliser after affording Foden far too much time and space.
Casemiro [4]
Started brightly with several key tackles and blocks in the first half, but he was caught out in the second half and looked lethargic as City upped their intensity.
Scott McTominay [5]
United’s Scottish warrior has been a huge goal threat for Ten Hag this season and his impressive substitute appearances in recent weeks were rewarded with a starting spot in an advanced role.
McTominay’s late bursts into the box have caused problems for all sides this season and it was his selfless running that carved space for Rashford’s opener.
However, he continues to lack quality in possession and his decision-making in the final third was poor.
Kobbie Mainoo [5]
United’s academy star has been one of their standout performers this season but he was a passenger at times here.
His composure on the ball was crucial during the small stints where United were able to keep the ball but on the whole he was a pale shadow of the elite performer he has been in months.
Alejandro Garnacho [3]
A quiet afternoon for United’s Argentine star.
Garnacho’s pace and direct approach offered a threat on the counter-attack but he was never found in space and spent most of the match doing his defensive duties.
Bruno Fernandes [5]
Started in an unconventional false-nine role to accommodate Rashford and Garnacho out wide in what turned out to be a good decision by Ten Hag.
However, Fernandes enjoyed much less space in the second half and was pushed back into a midfield role meaning United were left without a focal point up front.
Marcus Rashford [7]
He stunned City early on with a truly exceptional strike from range. After delivering a strong-worded interview midweek Rashford backed up his words with a strong performance at the Etihad.
He always looks more dangerous playing off the left and Erik ten Hag changed his system to ensure his No.10 was at his best for the derby clash.
Should have done better with two huge chances in the first half.
Substitutes:
Willy Kambwala [5] – Looked shaky at the back after replacing Evans with 20 minutes remaining.
Antony [4] – Failed to make an impact and United looked a much worse team after his substitution.
Sofyan Amrabat [4]
Omari Forson [4]
In other news, Man United to accept £40m loss on first-team star
For more Man United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.