Manchester United came out all guns blazing against West Ham in their opener at Old Trafford. A brace from new boy Romelu Lukaku and a goal apiece for Martial and Pogba ensured United ended Gameweek 1 at the top of the pile.
Let us look at how the home team fared in the encounter at Old Trafford.
De Gea – 7/10
Apart from a save off an effort from Fernandes, de Gea was a mere spectator in the game. It was a comfortable night for the Spanish shot-stopper. His distribution was particularly impressive during the game.
Valencia – 7/10
Antonio Valencia had a solid night at RB. He took up an advanced position owing to United’s superiority on the night, forcing West Ham’s record signing Arnautovic to almost play as a full back at times.
Eric Bailly – 6.5/10
Did get tight to Hernandez on many occasions, ending with a yellow card to his name due to a foul on the Mexican. West Ham or Chicharito did not test the Ivorian enough. Solid performance and a clean sheet to go with it.
Phil Jones – 7/10
Phil Jones compliments Bailly. Both of them seem to be comfortable playing with each other. With Lindelof having to ease himself in the Premier League; expect the Jones-Bailly partnership to be a regular feature this season.
Comfortable night for the Englishman.
Daley Blind – 8/10
Daley Blind had much more attacking success than Valencia. Zabaleta, though a PL veteran, was struggling to manage Rashford’s pace down the left. This freed up Daley Blind and he kept running down the flank with no pressure whatsoever. Had an effort on goal which bounced off the turf, just over the net. Decent game for the Dutchman.
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Nemanja Matic – 9.5/10
Easily the Man of the Match. In his first PL game for Manchester United; he already has fans singing his name. A dominant display in central midfield, his interceptions and smart runs were easy to the eye and a refreshing change from all the lacklustre football of last season. He was who Chelsea missed, and surely will be United’s gain this season.
Pogba – 9/10
This type of performance is what prompted Manchester United to break the bank for him. Silky touches, skills and cutting passes were a regular feature on the night for the Frenchman. He helped himself to a goal in the latter stages. Rest assured, if he maintains this form throughout the season; we may be in for a goal glut every game!
Mata – 8/10
Instrumental as ever, Mata was at his creative best on the night. His diagonal runs into the box caused chaos in the West Ham defence, and his composure on the ball was immense. He linked up well with Pogba and Mkhitaryan in the centre of midfield.
Read: Top 5 Chicharito moments in a Man Utd shirt.
Mkhitaryan – 8/10
The Armenian had a stellar night. His movement off the ball and passing on the night were superb. Could have had a goal on the night after a mazy run, but it was not to be. More of the same, please!
Rashford – 8.5/10
A mature performance from the 19-year-old. Rashford has just given Mourinho a selection headache. He often frustrated with efforts on goal when he could have put it on a plate for Lukaku, but he is one confident lad. One of his efforts thundered off the post; characteristic to his performance on the night, charismatic. He played in the assist for Lukaku’s first PL goal for United.
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Lukaku – 9/10
A solid night for the mighty Belgian. Two goals on debut in front of Old Trafford are what dreams are made of. He’s had his fair share of critics, but a goal against Real Madrid on his competitive debut for the club and two in his PL debut for the club speak in his favour. Still, a long way to go, but Lukaku has a firm footing and can build on this start to score plenty more this season.
Substitutes:
Anthony Martial – 8/10
A goal and an assist in the last 10 minutes. Did I mention about the selection headache Mourinho has? Yeap, he’s just made that worse. A classy finish and a perfect layup for a Pogba curler; he stamped his authority on the game in spite of limited game time.
Fellaini – N/A
