Manchester United went top of the Premier League following yet another 4-0 win over an out of sorts Crystal Palace, who have now lost all 7 of their opening games of the league. It was another tidy performance from the Red Devils as they continue to pull away from the chasing pack. Manchester City face Chelsea later on in the day and will have to respond if they want to retain their place at the top of the table.
Goals from Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku and a brace from Marouane Fellaini handed Manchester United their sixth victory of the season, and the sixth clean sheet for David de Gea as they continue their dominance in the league.
Much of the buildup to the game was filled with rumours of Manchester United’s prolific striker Romelu Lukaku having picked up a knock in training, making him doubtful for the game. The rumours were quashed with the announcement of the squad. However, Eric Bailly was the only notable absentee on the night. Another victory, another great performance from Mourinho’s devils.
Let’s look at Manchester United players ratings vs Crystal Palace:
David de Gea – 7/10
Another easy night in goal for the Spaniard. Another well taken clean sheet, expected given the league positioning of the opponent.
Antonio Valencia – 8/10
The Ecuadorian was at his industrious best on the night. Was all over the pitch, contributing in attack and defence.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
A surprise inclusion in the squad. He was rarely tested by the Palace front line and could not have asked for an easier challenge.
Phil Jones – 8/10
Another stellar performance from the Englishman. It’s going to take some doing for Lindelof, Smalling and Rojo to displace Phil from the starting lineup.
Ashley Young – 8/10
He is exactly the type of player that United have missed. His deliveries in the box have been deadly, to say the least. His link-up play has been impressive too. Another fine performance from Young at left back.
Marouane Fellaini – 9/10
One of the standout players in the Mourinho era, Marouane Fellaini has transformed into United’s ultimate weapon. He’s been a scapegoat for far too long and is finally showing why United invested heavily in acquiring his services. Attack, defence and controlling the ball, he did it all.
Nemanja Matic – 7/10
The Serbian keeps it simple and tidy in the centre of the park and this was another easy day in the office. Gave away possession on a few occasions but a decent performance overall.
Juan Mata – 8/10
What a performance from Juan! The awareness to peel at the edge of the box in anticipation of Rashford’s pass to put United ahead in the 3rd minute was impressive. He controlled the game at the centre of the park.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6/10
A quiet evening for the Armenian. Easily dispossessed and wasn’t as influential.
Marcus Rashford – 9/10
You can expect something special from the lad from time to time. That dribble to set up Juan Mata for United’s opener was a fine piece of skill. Two well-taken assists for the youngster on the night.
Romelu Lukaku – 8/10
Looked to be a quiet game for the Belgian, who should have probably scored after being played on goal but scuffed his effort wide. Got his goal anyways though, that’s 7 Premier League goals for the Belgian in 7 games. Prolific.
Substitutes:
Ander Herrera – 6.5/10
Been in and out of the United team but was bright on the ball in the very little time he got. Put in a delightful through ball that should have been converted by Martial, and played an important part in Lukaku’s goal.
Anthony Martial – 7.5/10
A rejuvenation of sorts. He always looked to take his man on and ended up beating him. His take on accuracy has considerably increased from last season. Should have scored, but got an assist on the night.
Jesse Lingard – 6/10
It’s sad to see Jesse being limited to appearances off the bench, but such is the level of competition up front at United. He does put in his 100% every time he takes to the pitch.
