FT Manchester United 1-2 Crystal Palace. Macheda (pen); Ambrose, Murray.
Starting XI:
Ben Amos – 6
Ben Amos had a quietly effective game for Manchester United. There wasn’t much that he could’ve done for Ambrose’s wonder goal, a strike which could be contender for goal of the season! For the second goal there was also not much he could do. The second goal was offside and should’ve also been cleared by the defence.
Rafael – 6
Rafael had a decent game. Offered himself as an option in the wide positions however that was short lived as he was substituted off injured 65 minutes into the match.
Chris Smalling – 8
Smalling was probably the man of the match for Manchester United. Played great, defended great and was both assured on the ball and made some great clean tackles and interceptions.
Jonny Evans – 6
Jonny Evans had a pretty good game as captain for Manchester United. A lapse in concentration however meant that he misintercepted for Crystal Palace’s winner, which really should have been chalked off for offside.
Fabio – 5
Fabio didn’t last long on the pitch, however, before he was injured, Zaha was giving him the runaround and Fabio also managed to get himself booked.
Darron Gibson – 7
Assured in possession. Barely gave the ball away. Did well given the lack of movement from the front men.
Ji-Sung Park – 5
A very much below par performance from Park. He didn’t get into the game which was very unlike him.
Antonio Valencia – 6
Went missing for much of the game however came alive towards the end as Man Utd unsuccessfully searched for an equaliser.
Mame Biram Diouf – 2
A terrible performance from Mame Biram Diouf. This may be the final time we see him in a Manchester United shirt. His abject performance was mirrored by his inability to take a throw in and his lack of a first touch.
Dimitar Berbatov – 5
Anonymous whilst on the pitch. Looked disinterested. Substituted at half time due to injury.
Federico Macheda – 3
His only saving grace was that he scored the penalty that he won. He had a below par game. The lack of movement meant that he was difficult for the midfield to find.
Substitutes:
Zeki Fryers – 6
A good run out for Fryers. Played very well defensively but lacked anything going forward. A very good game for his development and introduction to the first team.
Ravel Morrison – 6
Although he didn’t really do anything of note, this was a very good run out for Morrison. He did not look out of place at all. His first touch and movement were exactly what can be expected from a Manchester United player. Very encouraging to see
Paul Pogba – 5
Pogba still looks like he needs some development until he can get into the first team. He was neither terrible or spectacular. Pogba ended up playing at centre half at the end of the game, a position he has never played in his time with Manchester United.
Do you agree? Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Feel free to comment below.
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No idea how park got a 5, worst player on the pitch by a county mile. Felt a tad sorry for macheda as he had no service at all.
Have to agree with a ll of them mate. Even the Diouf rating.
Hate to say it about any United player but he was absolutely dreadful, I actually didn’t want him on the same pitch as the youngsters towards the end in case he affected them.
Pretty much agree with the ratings except Gibson would get a 5 in my book. Average only even though the effort was there.
Yeah! Gotta agree with O’Neill, Park didn’t even deserve a 5. Gave away too many balls. Also thought Valencia was very poor considering his level of experience. His crosses are so predictable and i wonder the last time he actually crossed a ball that led to a goal. He can’t even cut in. No hope in his left foot which led him to miss that glorious chance.
If Fergie wants to match Barca he should take a good look at his squad and ask himself if all of his players can give 100 % on the pitch like the Barca players. The midfield is bad cuz we don’t have anyone there who would put pressure on the opponent to lose the ball, hence givin the opposition too much space to shoot. Fergie started with a strong team which could really pass the ball well.What he failed to do was to make players like Fletcher n Carrick fit into those kind of formations.Fine, they’re not good enough but i still think thats what you get everytime you play players out of position.Macheda n Diouf aren’t wide players, Carrick was not the defensive type, Park never did well on the wings..and so many mistakes.
Sort it out Fergie.