Manchester United stayed on track to defend their International Champions’ Cup crown with a 3-1 win over MLS side San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes are mid-season at the moment so had better fitness and played at a higher intensity than Club America – so it was more of a challenge for the United players; here’s how they fared:
FIRST HALF
Sam Johnstone – 10
Thanks to injuries to both David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard, the young shot-stopper was the only player on tour so far to play the full 90 minutes of a game, having already played 45 minutes vs Club America, too. He was absolutely flawless, collecting aerial balls with ease, denying San Jose any one-on-one opportunities with good positioning and providing good distribution with his kicks and throws.
Matteo Darmian – 9
A similar performance to his own gainst Club America, Darmian was ver impressive and again illustrated that he will be quite the acquisition. He got forward well to support Juan Mata but never hesitated in getting back quickly when possession was lost.
Phil Jones and Daley Blind – 8
This will most likely not be United’s first choice centre-back pairing come the start of the Premier League season but the duo did well again, thwarting a number of potentially dangerous situations. Jones particularly made a couple of key challenges in and around the box and Blind’s interceptions were characteristically very good.
Luke Shaw – 9
One of his best performances in a United shirt, his extra fitness training over the summer break has certainly paid off. Similarly to Darmian, he did well in working up and down the wing – his strength was brilliant and he was constantly providing Ashley Young with a passing option on the overlap. Put in some decent crosses and defended well at the other end.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 8
Unable to add to his debut goal but still impressive, Schneiderlin could prove to be the signing of the season for United. Assured in his passing, tackle and intercepting, Morgan looks every bit the midfielder United have been searching for. Had a very difficult chance at the back post which he did well to connect with – he looks like he’ll be a danger in that area this season
Michael Carrick – 9
Typically of himself, he was cool and composed throughout the 45 minutes he played, passing well and creating space for others. He pushed forward a couple of times too, at one point running further ahead than Memphis and Rooney – so maybe he’ll be among the goals this season.
Juan Mata – 9
He may have mis-cued his first-half shot but it went in and lifted the pressure off United. Very very bright and key to almost every United attack, his passing was exceptional and he had three or four chances, all of which were at least on target. A thoroughly enjoyable performance from one of our key men.
Ashley Young – 8
Outshone by Luke Shaw on the left wing and out-performed by Mata on the right, Young has had better games but he was by no means disappointing. He created numerous chances and was determined in taking players on, which is always good to see.
Memphis Depay – 9
He had to wait until his second game for the club but Memphis is off the mark – quick reactions meant he latched onto a dodgy backpass to slot home near the end of the first half. He played well in behind Wayne Rooney and barely put a foot wrong. A very exciting player who we can’t wait to see more of.
Wayne Rooney – 7
Yet to really click into top gear on the tour Rooney has had better pre-seasons. Not really the focal point he will need to be in the league and Champions League but provided chances for others and let Depay thrive running off him. Room for improvement but not a bad performance.
SECOND HALF
Paddy McNair – 9
It is difficult to fault the young Northern Irishman who was impressive last season when called upon. His aptitude for playing in midfield showed as he made a second appearance at right-back – he drove down the wing and made runs centrally to great effect, supporting Lingard well and also defending with confidence at the other end of the pitch.
Chris Smalling – 9
Aerially dominant, he was United’s best centre-back on Wednesday, cutting out a number of San Jose attacks and winning headers at both ends of the pitch. A real example for other players to follow and a strong contender for a starting spot in 2015/16, even if Sergio Ramos or Nicolas Otamendi are brought in this summer.
Jonny Evans – 8
There is to that he might be on his way out of the club but on recent evidence, he could be a good backup to have. He is yet to reproduce his performances from 2011/12 and 2012/13 which saw praise heaped on him but he had another solid game today with some good positioning shown.
Tyler Blackett – 8
He didn’t quite match Luke Shaw’s first half performance but Blackett was a strong figure at left-back when he came on at half time. Providing some good support for Andreas Pereira, he was physically better than his opponents and passed the ball around well
Ander Herrera – 8
Not in the thick of the action but constantly ticking away in the background during the game, Ander worked well with Bastian Schweinsteiger to set the tempo for the game and recover the ball in his own half – which was necessary quite a few times throughout the second half.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 9
This man just makes everything look simple. Whether at walking speed or running, passing and tackling just come naturally to Schweinsteiger. He was again an outlet for the defence when they came under pressure and again the connection between defence and attack. A very impressive performance from the German.
Jesse Lingard – 8
Not too involved as a lot of play came down the opposite wing but Lingard was bright and linked up well with both Paddy McNair and Andreas Pereira – notably providing a wonderful assist for Pereira’s goal, lofting the ball perfectly into the box for the young Brazilian to meet with his head.
Andreas Pereira – 9
Another game, another impressive performance from the young Brazilian. Moved from the wing to the #10 role by his manager, he was very calm on the ball and good in producing chances for James Wilson. The highlight, of course, was his goal, which he took very well and said after the match that it was his first headed goal for the club at any level – hopefully there are more to come! Staked a claim for a starting role against Barcelona on Saturday.
Adnan Januzaj – 7
Got on the ball a lot and passed well, picking out Wilson, Pereira and Blackett with some good vision but was lax in getting forward himself, losing the ball on a few occasions. Will need to up his game if he wants a starting place this season and it’s unlikely that he’ll be playing the mentioned 60 minutes as a “1st selection” against Barcelona
James Wilson – 7
Much like Wayne Rooney, Wilson was seldom involved in goalscoring positions, so maybe it’s Louis van Gaal’s tactics which are inhibiting his strikers. Did react well to slim chances to get on the ball and make interceptions, as he has done for the U21s. Won’t start against Barcelona but could come on as a substitute later in the game.
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