TF Player Ratings - Man Utd (A)

Somewhere around Wetherby services, STEPHEN ORD (in the passenger’s seat, in case you were wondering) momentarily puts down his celebratory bottle of whisky, picks up his pen / phone, and dishes out some big numbers…

Martin Dubravka - 7 – Had basically nothing to do, but showed that he’s worked on his kicking against his former club. Compare this Dubravka to the one fumbling over everything this time last year. Came and claimed crosses, trusted his defenders.

Kieran Trippier - 8 – Great leader and wanted to show he was capable of rolling back the years. Man U tried to use Zirkzee as a sort of battering ram, it didn’t work and he was hooked after half an hour. Showed his leadership qualities by settling us down when they threw the kitchen mop at us (they’re not talented enough for a sink).

Lewis Hall - 8 – The best left back in the Premier League. Amad was their one outlet and he was getting no joy out of our left back. He’s taken massive steps forward, even since I last did these ratings against Brighton, but what a player we have on our hands.

Dan Burn - 9 – Is he able to be replaced in this team? We have Spurs and Arsenal away now without Fabian Schär, but the one constant over this run has been the excellent form of the man from Blyth. You’ll never ever beat Dan Burn (unless he’s at left back and you’re a pacy winger).

Fabian Schär - 8 – Booking apart, and one loose pass at the end of the first half straight to Mainoo, he was excellent. Hojlund looked ordinary and the whole attack of Man U was blunted by his ball playing.

Bruno Guimaraes - 10 – Played excellently, put Isak away who should have scored. Seemed to revel in the battle second half and at showing that Casemiro is yesterday’s man when it comes to Brazil’s midfield. He’s raised his game to match Tonali. Deserved the acclaim he got on the final whistle.

Sandro Tonali - 9 – On his way to being one of the greatest ever players I’ve seen in a black and white shirt. His ability with a ball is incredible, he’s so physical and makes the whole team tick. Almost worth waiting ten months for.

Joelinton - 10 – MOTM. Can he score, aye he can. Can he pass, aye he can. Can he tackle and boss a midfield, aye he can. Can he cover the right side when we need defensive cover, aye he can. Got a goal, almost made another for Isak, was everywhere and led us impressively. Forty million, a snip.

Jacob Murphy - 8 – He’s a nightmare for full backs, tonight they didn’t know what to do. Drop off and leave space, go tight and let him leave you for space? The goals and crosses might not always be flowing but he’s made our right side look balanced and he’s so much better than Miggy.

Alexander Isak - 9 – Scored, had another ruled out for offside which took the Stretford End net off (chewed by mice – unconfirmed) and was a terror all night. Every team in the league should be waking up worried about him, he’s going to get 20 goals in back to back seasons again.

Anthony Gordon - 9 – Another forty million steal. What a player. The ball for the second, the body swerves to leave De Ligt for dead. He’s destroying teams again, let’s get him down North London in bubble wrap right now.

Subs

Tino Livramento (for Trippier) - 7 – Came on and did what we wanted him to do. Carried the ball, covered Garnacho and showed us that he’s a quality player and back to full fitness.

Joe Willock (for Murphy) – Ran on, did his bit but no time for an impact really.

Harvey Barnes (for Gordon) – Got one chance when put through, but wasn’t brought on to try and grab the game and run it. Kept the ball up top well.

Stephen Ord

/ @smord84