Player Ratings: Di Maria Has A Shocker Against Swansea

De Gea – Unable to stop two well-struck goals but pulled off a great save to keep the score at one-each. 6

McNair – Involved in the attacks but failed to provide any threat from his crossing. Hauled off at half-time. 5

Jones – Shaky as per usual, and picked up a yellow after another stupid decision. Worrying times for someone once dubbed future United captain. 5

Rojo – A disappointing performance defensively but more shocking was his miss at the opposite end of the field. A bad day overall. 5

Shaw – Offered a slight threat going forward but proved costly once at the back and fortunate not to be responsible for another. 4

Blind – Not his usual dominant self, he failed to provide the correct protection for the defence which proved costly at the end as he did not get close enough to Shelvey for the winner. 5

Herrera – A step or two ahead of his teammates, he looked to play the ball forward when possible and took his goal well. 7

Di Maria – Lost the ball carelessly and continuously, and was unable to offer anything for the strikers. Yet another disappointment. 3

Fellaini – United’s target man for the majority of the match, he brought the ball down well in instances but was unable to bring others into play. Not his usual imposing self. 5

Rooney – Lost the ball often and again unable to create anything meaningful in tight spaces around the opposition box. 5

van Persie – Had some half-chances that resulted in wayward shots. Had very little else to work with and ended up leaving the stadium in crutches. Not a good day. 4

Subs:

Valencia – Similarly to McNair, he looked to go forward but was unable to create any proper chances. 5

Young – Worked hard, put in some dangerous crosses and made some crucial defensive tackles. Great to have him back. 8

Mata – Passed the ball well and tried to create something for the strikers. 6

Other:

Louis van Gaal – For the first time all season, I’ve started to doubt us finishing in the top four. The manager has come out and said that this performance was what he wanted from the players, except the goals didn’t come. If that really is his philosophy, then questions have to be asked. I’m prepared to wait though as I think it’s unfair judging him whilst he regularly has to start the likes of Jones and McNair. Time is ticking though and the fans are turning. It could be an interesting few months for the Dutchman.

Referee: Made a few baffling decisions. 4