Having been criticised heavily for a lack of application in Saturday night’s defeat at Newcastle, Manchester United players looked determined to put in a proper shift and show Erik ten Hag they care.
Whether it was the deselection of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial – two of the more work-shy stars on Tyneside – or a rallying speech from the under-fire manager, this was a far more purposeful showing under the Old Trafford lights.
Ten Hag insisted this week that he has the full support of his players, so Mail Sport cast an eye over which of United’s starting XI actually put in a shift for their manager…
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Clearly the goalkeeper can’t show his energy and enthusiasm by running about the pitch but he was fully engaged, spending long periods outside his own goalmouth with United often in the Chelsea half. Also kept concentration during inactivity to pull off a good save to deny Nicolas Jackson. After his European disaster in Istanbul, will view it as progress.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was switched on to pull off a good save and deny Nicolas Jackson
DIOGO DALOT – 8
His defensive shortcomings are obvious but boy does he love flying forward and he was a real attacking threat.
The Portuguese right-back made 11 sprints in the first half alone. He is a tremendous athlete and gave his all. If there is a criticism it’s whether he smells danger when the opposition is on the attack, and that is a flaw for any full-back – as Trent Alexander-Arnold knows.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Showed intent to push forward when United had the ball and was a key element in the opening goal, having a shot blocked that fell to McTominay to control and fire in.
Can look a cumbersome mover because of his frame, but there is no doubt Maguire is gaining confidence and got the balance right between defending and finding space in more advanced positions.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 5
We may find out he was carrying a knock but the passivity Lindelof showed in not closing down Cole Palmer cost United the lead on the stroke of half-time and the Swede didn’t re-enter for the second half, Sergio Reguilon coming on and Luke Shaw shifting to the centre of defence.
Victor Lindelof was at fault for Cole Palmer’s equaliser and substituted at half-time
LUKE SHAW – 7
Given the time spent away with his thigh injury, Shaw has been impressive since he returned at Everton. He consistently made himself available on the left as an overlapping outlet for Garnacho and it was significant Chelsea found less attacking joy down his flank than where Dalot was stationed, underlining he had the appetite for his defensive work too.
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 9
Never short of energy, the Scot has suddenly morphed into Steven Gerrard. His non-stop running in the middle of the park saw him break into the Chelsea penalty area on numerous occasions.
He was in the right place to score United’s first goal and without a wonderful double save from Robert Sanchez, would have added to his tally. That second goal finally came with a header – he is now United’s top scorer this season.
SOFYAN AMRABAT – 7
Didn’t look as if he was doing anything spectacular to the naked eye but his unfussy reading of the game allows United team-mates to try and be creative. He covered more ground than anyone bar McTominay in the opening 45 minutes and intercepted a potentially dangerous Chelsea counter on more than one occasion.
ANTONY – 6
Got the nod over Marcus Rashford but did little to suggest he has the work-rate for an £85million player. Rolled around when caught by Enzo Fernandez. Fair enough, he got the penalty from VAR but still looks on a different wavelength to his team-mates.
Scott McTominay capped an energetic display with both goals in the win over Chelsea
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Didn’t have the best game in terms of fluidity and missed a penalty but wore the armband with pride and ten Hag would have loved the way he sprinted 50 yards back to his own goal to stop a Chelsea counter spearheaded by Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk.
That ‘dirty’ side of the game isn’t regarded as Fernandes’ forte but he accepted the need to cover for McTominay when his midfield partner wanted to get forward.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6.5
Clearly prefers the attacking side of the game and it’ll be interesting over the longer-term if a top team like United can afford a winger who wants to chase back.
When he produces a wonder-goal like he did at Everton, it’s probably a price worth paying but he doesn’t want to waste energy which may be a problem against an attacking full-back. But he created the winner for McTominay and got a huge reception when subbed late on.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 7
Not the finished article by any means but it’s the Dane’s willingness to stretch defenders with unselfish runs that ten Hag likes.
He managed to lose Axel Disasi in the opening minutes ending up with a shot well saved by Sanchez. It set the tone for an energetic United performance in the first half in what was the most dynamic performance of the season so far.
Antony flattered to deceive and did little to suggest he has the work-rate for an £85m player
SUBS
SERGIO REGUILON (on for Shaw 45) 6
RASHFORD (83mins) – Got a few whistles when he came on but wanted to impress by closing down Disasi
Evans (90mins)
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
