MANCHESTER UNITED went in with a ‘don’t lose’ gameplan – and executed it to perfection.
They hustled and harried fierce rivals City in what became a dour 0-0 derby clash.
This was about as exciting as it got in a dour derbyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
The point gained just days after the Champions League dumping won’t cover those cracks, but it will restore a small bit of pride.
But this game will be quickly forgotten by fans of both sides probably wished they’d tuned in to Strictly Come Dancing.
Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how United players fared in their big derby clash.
David De Gea – 7
Stood strong to deny Riyad Mahrez a golden chance in the 34th minute.
City had TWO shots on target the whole game – an easy night’s work for the Spaniard.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Quiet first 45 as he was wary to bomb on too much against City slickers.
But he probably could have as City offered nothing down the flanks.
Harry Maguire led from the back for a resolute UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association
Victor Lindelof – 7
The centre-half might feel like he could have done better with his header from a corner five minutes before half-time.
Was barely troubled by City’s off-colour attack.
Harry Maguire – 8
Solid first 45 from the United captain as he had Gabriel Jesus comfortably under wraps.
Looking like getting close to his best which will delight his manager and the fans.
Pogba did his bit in defence and attack during the gameCredit: AP:Associated Press
Luke Shaw – 7
Surprisingly picked ahead of Telles, and like Wan-Bissaka, clearly had strict instructions to keep his position.
Dealt with Mahrez effectively, and then the same for his replacement Ferran Torres.
Fred – 6
Injured his hip early on in a collision with Kevin De Bruyne, but was determined to try run it off.
Does a job but offers little going forward.
Fred fought off a hip injury picked up in the first ten minutesCredit: EPA
Scott McTominay – 6
Battled hard in the middle of the park to close down City’s midfield.
Snap in the tackle and was just inches away from poking home the opener in the first half.
Paul Pogba – 7
Finally came into the game in the last five minutes offering himself as option out wide to build an attack that almost led to Greenwood getting a chance away.
Grew as the game went on in an attacking and defensive sense, and was happy to muck in when needed.
Marcus Rashford was fouled in the area leading to a penalty – but it was ruled out for an offside by VARCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Had a chance from a free-kick from 25 yards that he surprisingly fluffed.
Looked off his game in this one, heavy touches in attacking positions and couldn’t find that killer pass.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Anonymous in the first 45, but that was because the ball was hardly coming into him.
Mason Greenwood – 4
Harried the City defenders without looking too threatening.
Subbed off for Martial on 72 minutes and you’d be surprised if he gets the nod over the Frenchman next time out.
Mason Greenwood is struggling for form at the momentCredit: Reuters
Subs
Anthony Martial (replaced Greenwood, 74) – 5
Not really hit it off this season and struggled to get into the game.
Not used: Eric Bailly, Juan Mata, Dean Henderson, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
