DONNY VAN DE BEEK’S latest dim display looked all the gloomier when contrasted with that of match-winning sub Scott McTominay as Manchester United scraped into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Here’s how we rated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s jaded-looking team in a forgettable 1-0 win after extra time against dogged, defensive West Ham.
Match-winning Man Utd sub Scott McTominay celebrates his goal after making a big impact against West HamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Man Utd’s big summer buy Donny van de Beek again failed to impress, often looking lost on a rare start before being taken offCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Man Utd left-back Alex Telles marauded forward well, especially in the first halfCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Dean Henderson – 6/10
Totally untroubled almost throughout.
But the Euro 2021 hopeful kept his concentration to easily catch a header that menacing West Ham sub Said Behnrahma directed straight at him when the visitors hunted in vain for an extra-time leveller.
But this shot-shy night was not the time to judge Henderson’s claims to replace David De Gea as United’s first-choice keeper.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Comfortable evening for the uncapped right-back.
Athletically hooked the ball away from almost the line when Southampton threatened from a 90th-minute corner.
Was replaced by Brandon Williams in the 90th minute, but that was all about keeping him fresh over anything to do with his performance.
Victor Lindelof – 7
One fine, firm downward header forced Lukasz Fabianski into a brilliant full-stretch tip-around from virtually the only clear chance of the opening period.
Also made a couple of useful blocks later on when the Hammers sporadically came close to creating a few half-chances.
Harry Maguire – 7
Rarely tested but still strong at the back – the figurehead as and when needed.
Bustled forward when he could, but it was unfair to expect the skipper to make up for his team-mates’ timidity further forward.
Alex Telles – 7
Lively display from left-back, especially in the first half, when he was always pressing to overlap.
The Brazilian and Luke Shaw are pushing themselves all the way for this position.
And he was understandably replaced by Shaw, in the 90th minute, as Solskjaer protected his tiring legs.
Fred – 5
Steady enough, but United needed more than that from their midfield.
And they only got it once McTominay and Fernandes came on.
Nemanja Matic – 5
Did little wrong but equally little to persuade Solskjaer he should be starting more regularly in the Prem, rather than just in the FA Cup.
Was replaced by Scott McTominay in the 73rd minute when Solskjaer was clearly keen to up the tempo.
Donny van de Beek – 5
Looked lost at times, seemingly nervous and uncertain of his role – but that might be as much a criticism of United’s tactics as of the Dutchman himself.
Was keen to find gaps, running on and off the ball in front of a crowded West Ham defence.
But in reality his involvement was peripheral and usually docile, way off the impact he needs to break into the team regularly.
Damningly, he was never the pivot for United’s attacks, never the man his team-mates looked to.
Appeared resigned to his fate when United signalled substitutions on 73 minutes, and indeed was promptly taken off, replaced by Bruno Fernandes.
Mason Greenwood – 6
Briefly lit up a gloomy first half with a nifty, touch, turn and nutmeg of Mark Noble.
But that was in a harmless area of the pitch – just like much of his play. Was replaced by fellow frontman Edinson Cavani on 86 minutes.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Flitted dangerously at times but mostly too far from the danger area.
Lacked the decisiveness of a true striker when a loose ball dropped to him early in the second period, enabling Fabianski to block a sidefoot shot.
But he looked as if he could make a decisive intervention if fed inside the box – and pretty much proved that with his lovely flick for McTominay’s winner.
Anthony Martial – 6
Another of United’s attackers who spent too long on the fringes.
He too was more a victim than a culprit of the home side’s plodding performance and lack of creativity.
Steered a late extra-time effort too close to Fabianski.
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Edinson Cavani (for Greenwood, 86 mins) – 6
A few classy touches and also looked a more natural focal point for the frontline, reflecting both his experience and the fact Martial and Rashford are not out-and-out centre-forwards
Bruno Fernandes (for Van de Beek, 73 mins) – 6
A clear and instant improvement on what went before, flickering menacingly on the fringes of United’s attack
Scott McTominay (for Matic, 73 mins) – 8
Immediately injected energy and drive.
And his timing was as perfect as his confidence when he clinically slotted the only goal eight minutes into extra time, following Rashford’s neat touch.
That’s the Scot’s seventh goal in a season where his all-round game and stature have matured impressively.
Luke Shaw (for Telles, 90 mins) – 6
Fitted in as seamlessly as you would expect at left-back from one of the Prem’s most in-form defenders
Brandon Williams (for Wan-Bissaka, 90 mins) – 6
A rare bit of game-time for the youngster this season. Little direct impact, but not much need for it.
Subs not used: Grant, Diallo, James, Tuanzebe.
Why isn’t Jesse Lingard playing for West Ham against Man Utd in FA Cup tonight?
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
