Everton vs Manchester United Player Ratings

Matchday Player Ratings

by Anshul Sood

David De Gea – 7

He would be the most relieved of the lot to keep a clean sheet after getting a drubbing last game. Didn’t make any spectacular saves throughout the match but was there whenever his services were required. Was saved by the bar from a Baines free-kick.

Phil Jones – 7

A good game for the young English defender.  Defended resolutely against the threat of Leighton Baines and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, he also did well to check Felliani and deny him any space.

Nemanja Vidic – 9 Star Man

Undoubtedly the best United player on the day. Made a strong statement to the opposition by winning every header and ball which came his way. He was surely the missing piece of defensive jigsaw puzzle for United.

Jonny Evans – 7

Did well to redeem himself a bit after a harrowing display last weekend. Forged a strong partnership with Vidic although his lack of pace was exploited by the opposition at times.

Patrice Evra – 8

One of the best defensive displays by Evra this season, was able to find the right balance between when to attack and when to defend, a trait missing from his game this season.

Danny Welbeck – 7

Playing on the left, one of his preferred position, put in a good shift throughout the time he was there on the pitch. A good performance from the youngster even though he would have surely liked to get his name of the scoresheet.

Tom Cleverley – 7

Coming back into the team after a long layoff, Cleverly passing ability into the final third was on the display with him being the force behind United bossing the possession in the early part of the match.

Darren Fletcher – 7

A workmanlike performance from the experienced midfielder. Closed in onto the opposition players around the 20 yard box, a problem which haunted United in their last match. Ran his heart out and was a continuous presence around Fellaini’s back throughout the match.

Ji-Sung Park – 7.5

An expected performance from the South Korean. Ran all over the pitch and made sure he was back to defend whenever opposition were on the attack.

Wayne Rooney – 7

Played in a deeper role by Sir Alex with Hernandez and Welbeck playing up the pitch. Attacked, defended, made tackles, went for 50-50 headers and did whatever one could do playing in a deeper position.

Chicharito – 8

Justified his presence in the starting line-up by showcasing his goal poaching instincts by scoring from inside the 6 yard box. Played on the edge throughout the game and looks like the successor to the tag “Born Offside”.

Substitutions :

Nani – 6

Came on for Tom Cleverly in the 57^th minute. With Everton on the attack for most of the second half, made sure he was there to help his fellow mates in foiling all the attacks by the opposition.

Berbatov – 6

Came on for Chicharito in the 67^th minute. Didn’t do much in the time he was there on the pitch.

Antonio Valencia – 6

Came on for Welbeck in the 73^rd minute. Looked lively in the time he was there on the pitch. Combined well with Jones to foil Everton’s attacks down the right.

 

Editorial :

Before the match Sir Alex Ferguson asked for a reaction from his players following last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City and he a got what he asked for after his side’s resolute and tight display against a spirited Everton side.Sir Alex made a host of changes with Vidic,Park,Cleverly returning to the line up in place on Ferdinand, Nani and Young. This side exhibited a mix of youth and experience which United dearly needed at Goodison Park, a place which hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for some seasons. The move paid off well as United had the upper hand in the first half and bossed the possession in the opening 30 minutes.After taking the lead, United played really tight and made it really tougher for the opposition to have a crack at goal with Everton’s frontline forced to take shots outside the 20 yard box. The best moment of the game for Everton came in the 40th minute when Baines lofted a free kick over the bar and onto the the crossbar. This was the best defensive display by United whole season and Sir Alex would surely take a sigh of relief, since his side’s defensive frailties have been a concern this term.

For more stories and analysis by Anshul Sood, follow him on twitter @freddieanshul

 

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