Manchester United won 2-0 versus West Brom on Saturday to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after 2 consecutive goalless draws, thanks to goals from Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, but how did the United players perform?
Player Ratings
David de Gea - 6/10
David de Gea didn't have much to do in the game, which is good because he is usually overworked and has to keep the team in the game. The defence in front of him now means he hasn't conceded a goal for 555 minutes, and if he keeps that up United will be in a fantastic position to keep up their title challenge.
Ashley Young - 5/10
Ashley Young didn't have a good game especially when it came to providing crosses for the strikers, as he didn't do to well in that aspect whatsoever. Young had to play at right back because of Antonio Valencia's injury and Matteo Darmian suspension, so perhaps it is unfair to have a go at him when he is being played out of position.
United defenders helped United keep five consecutive clean sheets
Chris Smalling - 8/10
Chris Smalling once again was as solid as a rock, which is no surprise to anyone anymore as he has been doing it consistently for over a year now. Smalling leads the back four really well, and is a big part of why United have kept five consecutive clean sheets. Smalling is turning into the defender everyone wanted him to be, and if he keeps this up he has to be considered as one of the best in the world.
Daley Blind - 6/10
Daley Blind had a solid game at centre back as he has had for most of the season. Blind has a good understanding with Smalling, which helps the defensive record that United have on the go. At the start of the season when Blind was put in as a centre back loads of United fans were very wary of how it would not work, but Blind has shown he can do an excellent job there. Blind's passing range is fantastic and most of United's build up play starts with him.
Marcos Rojo - 6/10
Marcos Rojo once again showed his qualities at left back, and that he can be United’s first choice in that position while Luke Shaw recovers from his injury. Rojo isn’t afraid to get forward and usually puts some excellent crosses into the box for the strikers to go and attack. Overall once again it was a good showing for Rojo.
United's midfield controlled the game
Michael Carrick - 6/10
Michael Carrick kept it simple against West Brom and done his defensive duties well which allowed Schweinsteiger to go forward and join in with the attacks. Carrick was dropped for a few games after playing very poorly against Arsenal in October, but has come back into the team in the last two games and done very well. Carrick’s experience in games like Saturday helps all the other players know what they should expect from the game.
Bastian Schweinsteiger - 8/10
Bastian Schweinsteiger controlled the game at the weekend, and really did put in a fantastic shift in the middle of the park. Schweinsteiger is starting to show what he is made of at United, and he is very important for the team going forward. When United needed the push to go forward and score, Schwiensteiger was the one that tried to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and because of this the other players tried to do the same.
United's attackers got the goals
Juan Mata - 6/10
Juan Mata was quiet but effective against West Brom, and scored the all-important second goal right at the end of the match. Mata has tailed off in recent weeks, but still creates chances during the game, and if his finishing was better against West Brom then he could have scored in the first half aswell. Mata would be more effective if he was played in his favoured number 10 role, but while Rooney is playing he will have to be satisfied with a role on the wing.
Wayne Rooney - 6/10
Wayne Rooney had one of his better games in the Premier League this season, and it's clear that the goal he scored midweek in the Champions League has helped him a lot. Rooney knows he has to step up or he could be dropped, as we seen at the weekend when he was brought off for Ander Herrera. Rooney now needs to go on a run of good games to get the supporters back on his side
Jesse Lingard - 9/10
Jesse Lingard has taken his chance in the last few games, and topped it off with a fantastic goal against West Brom. Lingard scored United's first goal outside the box since December 2014, and it was well worth the wait. Lingard has now cemented his place in the starting eleven for the next matches as he brings something to the team which has been missing for most of the season, and that is pace.
Anthony Martial - 7/10
Anthony Martial was again United’s biggest threat in the attacking areas. Martial’s work rate during the game was excellent, and because of that he was able to create the second goal for United when he was put through and was brought down for United’s penalty. Martial may not be getting the goals his overall display deserves, but he never gives any of the opposing defenders a minute’s peace.
Substituion Ratings
Phil Jones - 5/10
Phil Jones has been out for a few games while he was rested, and only came on in the second half late on as a substitute. Jones filled in at right back, a position he has played in before, and anything that West Brom tried to do in the remaining minutes he was able to stop.
Cameron Borthwick Jackson - 5/10
Cameron Borthwick Jackson was a new name on the United team sheet against West Brom, as the youngster has been impressing with U21s. The youngster came off the bench in the second half to replace Rojo, and did okay with what he had to do in his short time on the pitch. It's great to see that United are giving all the younger players a fair chance to prove themselves with the first team.
Ander Herrera - 5/10
Ander Herrera only came for the last ten minutes of the game for Rooney, so didn’t have to right amount of times to have an impact on the game. Herrera seems to be the fall guy in the last couple of matches which is disappointing to see, but the quality he has will surely mean he is back in the team sooner rather than later.