Manchester United preserved their unbeaten run in all competitions, as Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking leveller in injury time rescued the Reds against Stoke City.
It was a deserved point in the end for United, who had the bulk of possession and chances throughout the encounter, but had somehow gone behind in the first half through Juan Mata’s own goal.
The Spaniard had lost Erik Pieters in the run-up and could only get a minute touch on the Dutchman’s cross, which deflected off David de Gea and gave Mark Hughes’ side an undeserved lead.
United pushed on for an equaliser in the second half, with José Mourinho’s side coming closest to levelling with five minutes remaining as Jesse Lingard’s strike from distance thundering off the crossbar.
However, it was captain Rooney, who had come on as a substitute, who came to the rescue in the fourth minute of injury time, curling home a free-kick from the left-hand side to hand United a point and scoring goal number 250 to go top as United’s all-time record goalscorer.
Here are the United player ratings from the bet365 Stadium.
David de Gea - 6
Had very little to do and was unfortunate to see Pieters’ cross come off Mata and deflect off him into the back of the net.
Antonio Valencia - 6
Hard-working in attack and defence, although he could have done better for Stoke’s goal and his deliveries into the box were a bit off.
Phil Jones - 6
Passing was good and was barely troubled by Stoke’s attack when the Potters came forward.
Chris Smalling - 5
Caught out of position far too many times and made hurried clearances out of defence when a simple pass would have done. A far cry from the fine performances of last season and the Maidstone Maldini has definitely regressed.
Daley Blind - 6
Quiet day for the Dutchman, with Stoke attacking down the middle or right. Assured in possession.
Marouane Fellaini - 7
Probably United’s best player in the first half and a little unlucky to be substituted. Pressed and held his position with intelligence and had a couple of decent efforts on target.
Ander Herrera - 6
The Spaniard looked a bit sluggish at times, but always made himself available for a pass and closed down well in midfield.
Paul Pogba - 6
Started sluggishly, improved as the first half wore on but regressed in the second half. Disappointing performance.
Juan Mata - 4
Never recovered after losing Pieters and giving away an own goal. Proceeded to miss a golden chance in front of goal and never really found the rhythm of his passing.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 6
One of United’s main influencers in attack. Played a couple of great passes that could have resulted in assists, but sliced a good chance horribly wide. Perhaps unlucky to have been taken off.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 5
Sub-standard performance. Had a couple of moments where he should have taken a shot at goal instead of passing and was barely involved.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (7) – Direct and enterprising cameo, stretching the Stoke defence and causing Glen Johnson problems.
Wayne Rooney (8) – Added energy to United’s attack and produced a moment that will be remember forever to become United’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Jesse Lingard (7) – Brief but lively cameo, hitting the crossbar in the closing stages.