FT in the live scores: QPR 0-2 Manchester United. Rooney, Carrick.
Starting XI:
David De Gea – 7
Had a solid game and did what he had to when he was called upon. Had relatively little to do.
Chris Smalling – 7
Didn’t put a foot wrong. Absolutely dominated Shaun Wright-Phillips at left midfield all until he was switched to QPR ‘s right side of midfield. Contributed to the attacking phases of the game well.
Jonny Evans – 9
He was one of many contenders for the man of the match award. Jonny Evans put in a sublime defensive display and was unlucky not to cap it off with his first and second league goals of his Manchester United career. His performance was very comforting to see in the absence of Nemanja Vidic.
Rio Ferdinand – 8
Another great display from Ferdinand. His experience and ability was shown again. He has now put in a big run of consecutive games and has been consistenly brilliant in each of them.
Patrice Evra – 5
Evra played very badly in the first half. He was consistently beaten by Jamie Mackie on the right side of midfield and it was frustrating to see. In the second half he came along stronger but the overll performance was still not up to the levels we have seen Patrice play at previously.
Phil Jones – 8
Phil Jones looks at home in the centre of Manchester United’s midfielder. So much so that I’m questioning whether he really is a centre back! His enthusiasm and energy won the ball from the opposing team on many occasions and his surging, purposeful runs supplimented the attack well. He could’ve had a goal and was unfortunate not to score when he went through 1 on 1 with Radek Cerny, the QPR goalkeeper.
Michael Carrick – 9
Michael Carrick scored his first goal in a very long time! Putting his goal aside, this was still a great performance from Michael Carrick. He controlled the midfield, sprayed balls around the pitch to set up attacks as well as putting in an excellent defensive display. He really was a joy to watch that afternoon.
Antonio Valencia – 8
It’s been a while since we’ve seen the old Valencia, but in the last 2 games I believe we are seeing him come back. He created a few chances as well as providing the vital assist to Wayne Rooney’s 1st minute goal. Valencia wasn’t afraid to take on players and also did the defensive aspects of the game well.
Nani – 8
Nani was very lively all game. Created a lot of chances but the finishing at the end of them was lacking. He was extremely unselfish all game, shown by the fact that he did not have a shot all game. Possibly too unselfish but he did very well for the team.
Wayne Rooney – 9
Had a very good game in his deeper striking role. Capped his great performance with a goal in the first minute. His first touch had been lacking in previous games however yesterday that was not the case. This was the kind of performance that we expect from the Manchester United talisman.
Danny Welbeck – 7
Welbeck had a decent game for Manchester United. It was apparent that he is still trying to regain his match fitness after his injury however he was unlucky not to score in the first half. He was efficient with the ball, held it up well when the team needed an out ball further up the pitch. It was a good performance from the local boy.
Substitutes:
Javier Hernandez – 6
Hernandez came on for Welbeck. Only had 30 minutes on the pitch as he made his early return from injury. Could’ve scored off his first touch. His movement was a pain for the QPR defense and he found space in the attacking third time and time again. A very encouraging return for the young Mexican.
Ryan Giggs – 6
Giggs came on for Rooney. He didn’t have long to impact on the game. Giggs did well in possession but couldn’t particularly do a lot more in the 10 minutes he was on the pitch.
Ashley Young – 6
Young came on for Nani. Was only on the pitch for 2 minutes + stoppage time. Had no time to impact on the game and was barely noticeable.
Do you agree? Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Feel free to comment below.
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As a united fan I can see that some of these ratings are a little inflated… Evra deserved a 4 to be completely honest. He didn’t make a great contribution going forward and was absolutely horrendous at the back.
Ferdinand on the other hand was a wall at the back. Good to see him back on form.
Good performance overall!
Nani did have a shot on goal.. when his left footed chip was saved by the other keeper