MANCHESTER UNITED eased to a derby day victory – and it was fully deserved against a lethargic Man City side.
There wasn’t a poor performance in sight from anyone wearing red at the Etihad as United beat their noisy neighbours 2-0.
Man Utd celebrate Luke Shaw firing them 2-0 ahead against Man CityCredit: Reuters
Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how Solskjaer’s soldiers triumphed against the odds against the champions-elect.
Dean Henderson – 8/10
Has been given the chance of a lifetime to prove he is a future No1 with David de Gea given leave to celebrate the birth of his daughter.
Confident with his distributions, strong-handed when he needed to be and vocal at the back – his time is now.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Had his hands full with Sterling, one of the few players who can arguably beat him for pace.
But stuck to the task and can be pleased with his solid showing.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Faces a real make-or-break end to the season, with rumours that United will move for a new centre-half this summer.
Happy with City playing it around in midfield, and happy that Jesus had a mare.
Harry Maguire – 8
Comfortable against Jesus, and had the confidence to bring the ball out when needed.
When he plays well, whoever is beside him tends to as well. Irreplaceable.
Luke Shaw – 9
Tricky customer in Mahrez attacking him and was done a few times in the first half – the old Shaw might have folded but this one stuck at it.
Scored a brilliant goal to give United some breathing space early in the second half.
England boss Gareth Southgate – who was in the stands at the Etihad – has to make him first-choice at left-back for the Euros.
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Luke Shaw angled home his side’s second goal that eased them homeCredit: Reuters
Scott McTominay – 7
Preferred in the middle to Nemanja Matic – and not surprising Solskjaer opted for the academy lad.
You wouldn’t have thought his team were 2-0 up as the clock ticked on, he was constantly cajoling his team-mates to dig in.
Fred – 7
Much better in the central midfield role alongside McTominay than the deeper-lying Matic.
Needed to be disciplined today as City passed and passed – he was even getting involved in the counters.
Dan James – 6
Barely had a sniff in the first half – but perhaps he was used for his pace on the counter.
His confidence is back for sure, and not afraid to have a run at defenders anymore.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Was a shed-load better than his abject display against Crystal Palace – but that was always going to be the case.
Still looks like he could do with a rest, but set the tone with his first-minute penalty.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to score an early penaltyCredit: Reuters
Marcus Rashford – 6
Started the first half brightly, but like most of his team-mates had to sit and watch City control possession.
Replaced by Greenwood after picking up an injury in the second half – was a quiet game for the school dinners hero.
Anthony Martial – 8
Made an instant impact – just seconds were on the clock when he drew a lazy foul from Gabriel Jesus to win a penalty – and Bruno did his job.
Denied by an excellent save by Ederson on 68 minutes, deserved a goal for his hard work. Even hinted at a smile as he was replaced late on.
Anthony Martial can be well pleased with his contributionCredit: AFP
Subs
Mason Greenwood (replaced Rashford, 73) – 6
Tracked back when he needed to to kill the game.
Nemanja Matic (replaced Martial, 89) – N/A
Brandon Williams (replaced Fernandes, 90+2) – N/A
Subs (not used): Eric Bailly, Lee Grant, Amad Diallo, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Shola Shoretire.
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Solskjaer working with Marcus Rashford in Man Utd training to help striker’s finishing and improve goal tally
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
