The new look Manchester United got off to a winning start in the 2015/16 Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Tottenham thanks to a Kyle Walker own-goal. With five debut performances we take a look at the individual performances of the players.
Sergio Romero – 7
The David de Gea stand-in had all eyes on him as he started after signing only a week ago. A nervous start showed through his poor distribution, but he grew into the game, making a number of assured saves late on in the match. His commanding stature also showed in set pieces, but his distribution and communication with the back-four needs to be drastically improved if he is to stay the number 1 choice this season.
Matteo Darmian – 8
An eye-catching performance from the Italian full-back showed off his fantastic defensive abilities coupled with his pace and expert positioning made him a threat on the attack as well. Has the ability to become a vital cog in the Manchester United defensive line.
Chris Smalling – 7
Continuing his form from last season, all signs show that Smalling is maturing into a very good centre-back. The combination of his pace and strength made him a rock in the defence as he shut out Harry Kane both on the ground and in the air. Good things are to come to Smalling if this level of performance continues.
Daley Blind – 6
No matter where he plays he consistently does a good job, assured on the ball and a good reader of the game, but his physique let him down on occasions losing out on a couple of fifty-fifty balls in dangerous areas, but his versatility and tactical ability deserves a mention.
Luke Shaw – 7
Showed his defensive strengths once again, but his overlaps for Ashley Young were fewer than expected. His passing also needs a bit of work, but if he does manage to stay fit, this could well be the “season of Luke Shaw”.
Michael Carrick – 7
Looks notably better with less defensive responsibility, his passing was perfect as usual with a 97% completion rate and he pressed the Tottenham players well. There will be questions about his fitness, but with the midfield reinforcements, he should have less pressure placed on him.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 7
As expected brought the necessary energy that the United midfield needed and broke up play excellently allowing Carrick more freedom. He did lose the ball a few times, but had an impressive, assured début.
Memphis Depay – 7
Big things were expected from the new United number seven as he again started in a central free-role behind Rooney. Showed flashes of brilliant drive and ball control, whilst having a few attempts on goal. Questions will be asked if a position swap between him and Mata would suit him more, but he provided flashes of brilliance, showing signs of what’s to come.
Ashley Young – 6
United’s best attacker in the same tie last season, he struggled much more against Kyle Walker today, rarely managing to get the better of him, but made an incisive run in behind to square it to Rooney which produced the opener.
Wayne Rooney – 6
An average performance by the striker, who will be upset he didn’t manage to tuck away the goal himself, he had little service up-front and didn’t manage to really get anything going.
Juan Mata – 6
Continued the trend of the attack, with a couple good moments, notable the interception that led to the goal. Failed to consistently create in the game and suffered from cramp towards the end. However, contributed well in the defence and worked tirelessly, but a straight position swap with Memphis might see a step-up in his performances.
Substitutions:
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 7
The midfield general brought ease to the United midfield, dictating play and communicating well, whilst also creating a good chance, whilst not forgetting his defensive duties.
Ander Herrera – 6
Came on to chants of his name by the United faithful and his fresh legs managed to put in a good, all-round performance.
Antonio Valencia – 6
Will be kept out of the starting eleven as long as Darmian remains fit, left notably more space than his Italian counter-part, but still did some good defending.
