Manchester United Player Ratings
Manchester United led from the front, as Newcastle’s excellent run against top teams prior to today’s game did not faze the team. They thwarted Newcastle from the start, before they lost steam in the end and Newcastle started to get into the game. United held more than two-thirds of possession, and a phenomenal performance by the captain Wayne Rooney, won United this game easily.
David de Gea – 8/10 – Pulled off a number of saves, from dangerous situations that could have put Newcastle in a better position to attack. He gave away a penalty from Papiss Demba Cisse in the end, but by then, United were coasting to a well-earned win. Up until then, he was the last line of defence who let nothing through.
Phil Jones – 6.5/10 – Stationed in a three-man defence, he was the main tackling force, as he pushed the ball ahead to Valencia or Carrick. In his bid to stop Newcastle, he brought down Colback, which resulted in a penalty against his team and denied them a clean sheet, which reduced his good rating.
Paddy McNair – 7/10 – He is improving as a player, as one does not judge him as being a youngster anymore with the performance levels he has shown so far. He was decent against Newcastle, though his lack of experience showed on some occasions, but he was good enough.
Jonny Evans – 7/10 – Made crucial blocks and stopped Ayoze Perez from drifting in his direction, as he put in a measured performance to stop Newcastle from getting through. He has been in the United team for some time now, and he is starting to peak at a time when United are winning.
Michael Carrick – 8.5/10 – He was excellent throughout, as he helped his defence out from time to time, and he was missed as soon as he was replaced by Fletcher, with Newcastle able to break into the United half more easily. Proved why he deserves to be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Antonio Valencia – 6.5/10 – Shuffled up and down the flank, in a more advanced role. He kept tracking back to keep Yoann Gouffran in check, when he was a threat in the first half, but moved up the pitch perfectly.
Ashley Young – 7/10 – Was decent on the left wing, as he mixed attack with defence, as the left flank looked stronger than the right, as most Newcastle attacks came on the right of United’s defence, as he combined well with Carrick and Evans.
Juan Mata – 8.5/10 – Kept linking up the play, as he made forward passes, also going back to collect the ball from Carrick, on some occasions. He has been playing at a high level, off late, and his combination with the midfield and attack has boded well for United.
Wayne Rooney – 9.5/10 – One could not have asked for a better performance from him today. Probably, his best performance so far this season. He had to lead the attack in a tough week, in which United are playing three games, and he delivered with two well-taken goals and an assist. He couldn’t get the cherry on the icing in the form of his hat-trick, but a brace is more than enough to prove that he is up there with the best strikers from the Premier League.
Radamel Falcao – 6.5/10 – He has still not discovered his scoring touch, but he provided an assist and ran his socks off in an attempt to get off the mark today. He has looked fit upon his return from injury, and the goals are in the pipeline.
Robin van Persie – 8.5/10 – He has been waiting for opportunities to strike in recent games, as he has stayed quiet in games, popping up in the right place at the right time on a number of occasions this season. He scored in one such moment to complete the 3-1 win.
Substitutes:
Darren Fletcher – 6/10 – Did not have the same calming effect as Michael Carrick on United’s defence, though he did have a more physical presence to stop Newcastle from getting too far ahead.
James Wilson – 6.5/10 – Was brought in for Falcao after he was tiring and was unable to get going. Wilson looked good, as he troubled Newcastle defenders with his pace and positioning.
Rafael – Unrated – Was brought in on the right to bulk United up defensively, as most of the Newcastle attacks were being launched from their left – United’s right.