Player Ratings: United v Sunderland- Di Maria & Evans Fall Even Further

De Gea – Produced an amazing save early on but had little else to do all game. Another clean sheet to add to his record. 6

Valencia – Attacked down the flank a lot in the second half but the crosses were usually a disappointment, as we’ve come to expect. 6

Smalling – Shaken from the start but grew into the game and produced yet another decent performance. Cementing himself as the main United CB. 6

Evans – Shocking from kick off and his mistake nearly turned the game on its head after the first few minutes. How many more chances will he get? 4

Rojo – Provided a threat from set pieces but offered little else going forward down the left wing. 5

Blind – Kept things ticking but wasn’t his usual creative self. Offered decent protection for the defence. 5

Herrera – Nearly scored another had it not been for the offside flag. Tidy in possession but offered little creativity when up against ten men. 5

Di Maria – Offered one great cross but invisible otherwise. Hauled off at half time after yet another disappointing performance. 3

Young – A constant thorn for Sunderland to deal with. Heavily involved in all our promising attacks and unlucky not to score himself. Worked hard defensively and once again the star player. 8

Rooney – Poor from the start but took his penalty well and was in the right place to slot in his second. Justifying his position up front. 6

Falcao – Anonymous for the majority of the game but one moment of magic was enough for him to turn things around. Taken off afterwards for some reason. 6

Subs:

Januzaj – Injected much needed energy in the team and creative good chances for his teammate. 7

Fellaini – Should have done better with the chance that came his way. 5

Mata – N/A

Other:

van Gaal – Some of the worst football I’ve ever watched in the first half. Things obviously improved in the second once Sunderland went a man down but you have to wonder how much tedious football the manager will get away with before things start tilting away from his control. Further questions marks arise after Falcao did tremendously well to win the penalty and was immediately hauled off for Fellaini. Why revert to long balls at home against a ten man team? It’s not going as planned but at least we’re three points closer to a top four position. 5

Referee – Strangely sent off Wes Brown after O’Shea fouled Falcao as a last man. 3