Manchester United’s return to action was one to forget for Erik ten Hag’s men as they fell to a resolute 6-3 defeat to local rivals Manchester City.
While the first half score line suggested a poor performance from United, it was more a case of Reds players failing to stand out compared to their light blue counterparts.
However, the second-half fully demonstrated a comprehensive lack of defensive effectiveness combined with an absence of attacking threat.
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Here is how the players fared:
David de Gea - 2/10
It is hard to justify a keeper’s performance when they concede 6 goals in a single game. There were no glaring errors from the Spaniard but his positioning for a number of the goals could be open to criticism.
Diogo Dalot - 1/10
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In short: Terrible. On the back of a great international break, Dalot got himself an early booking and was kept on strings by Jack Grealish all game, getting drawn out of position and going in for tackles he then missed.
Lisandro Martinez - 2/10
Tough day for the Argentine. Started off dealing with pressure in the box well but fell off as the game developed and did little to prevent City’s onslaught
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Raphael Varane - 4/10
Whilst suggesting Varane was at fault for City’s goals before his withdrawal due to injury would be harsh, it can’t be ignored that these goals came inside the area amidst his presence.
Tyrell Malacia - 2/10
Similar to Dalot but with more success in his tackling. Energetic but this resulted in little positive outcome.
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Scott McTominay - 3/10
You’d have to double check the starting United line-up for confirmation that the Scotsman was playing, having been virtually absent for the whole game up until his withdrawal for Casemiro. Failed to stop Manchester City’s midfielders controlling the edge of the United area.
Christian Eriksen - 1/10
Passed only sideways and backwards other than a couple of lofted balls straight into the city stands. Provided no creativity for his forwards and failed to help United move out from the back
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Bruno Fernandes - 1/10
Went missing all game other than when he decided getting booked towards the end was the perfect way to end a terrible performance. No threat moving forward. Progressive pass completion looked to be lower than a toddler’s IQ.
Antony - 5/10
Scored the best goal of the game and had a couple of nice touches but was relatively absent as a result of Eriksen and Fernandes’ failure to bring the attacking forwards into the game.
Jadon Sancho - 3/10
Far from a satisfying afternoon for the former City youth player as he failed to have a substantial impact on the game. Again demonstrating why many United fans have been left unsatisfied by the winger’s impact since signing last season, especially in big games.
Marcus Rashford - 4/10
A tough afternoon for the striker as he failed to latch on to what can only be described as optimistic through balls from his midfielders. Poor touches when receiving the ball but virtually no chances to rectify these in the form of attacking opportunities.
Victor Lindelof - 2/10
Proved why there is little threat to the Varane/Martinez starting combination. Looked shaky in defence and constantly drawn out of position for City’s goals.
Anthony Martial - 7/10
Tapped in United’s second goal and converted a penalty he won himself despite having virtually no support from his teammates in midfield.
Casemiro - 2/10
Failed to demonstrate the experience and defensive awareness that excited United fans on his arrival. Didn’t provide much opposition for City’s attacking midfielders.
Fred - 3/10
Took the shot that resulted in Martial’s goal but failed to really solidify the defence or develop a spark in attack.
Luke Shaw - N/A
Nothing notable other than looking to be a reassuring presence compared to Malacia.
Featured Image Credit: Manchester UnitedTopics: Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League