United travelled to Romania tonight for what should have been a ‘routine’ Champions League victory against a side that would arguably struggle to survive in the Premiership. There are no ‘routine’ games in Europe for United anymore- I think Schalke was the last one I can recall and although we emerged victorious there was a lot to be desired from a somewhat mediocre display.
Here’s how the players rated:
David De Gea: I’ll be overly critical and say he perhaps could’ve done a little better for the goal, as he did seem to dive ‘feet first’ but it was hardly his fault the Reds went behind. The young Spaniard looked confident dealing with crosses and made some good stops -particularly late on from a Rafael Bastos header. 7
Rafael: I doubted him at the beginning of the season as I worried whether he’d ever quell some of the rashness that has plagued his career, I’ve been left with omelette on my face as the right back has been one of the players of the season for United. Although he could’ve got forward a lot more than he did, especially in the first half, overall it was another decent display from Fabio’s doppelgänger. 7
Jonny Evans: Should have done better for Kapetanos’s opener as he gave the Greek striker far too much space but he redeemed himself with a much better performance for the rest of the game and even played through the pain barrier for twenty minutes after picking up a knock. Subbed. 6
Rio Ferdinand. Arguably could’ve gotten across for the Cluj goal and at times he didn’t command the defence as well as he normally does, but overall wasn’t too shabby and should never have received a yellow for clearing the ball. 7
Patrice Evra. Shocking first half hour where he did almost everything wrong, caught out of position, nowhere near Moudou Sougou for the assist, but seemed to find his feet a little once the winger was subbed. The second half was much better for United’s skipper where he was one of our best players, stuck his head in bravely a couple of times got down the left hand side and barring one late cross was solid in defence but it’s the first 30 minutes that many will remember. 5
Darren Fletcher. Although the sometime Scottish skipper hasn’t been great at passing for some time now, if he could just work on it a little then he’d be vital to United. Hard to be too judgemental on a player who’s still recovering his match fitness and Fletcher didn’t do a lot wrong, it was hardly a barnstormer but it was a step in the right direction at least. 6
Tom Cleverley. It’s amazing how at the beginning of last season I looked at my Twitter timeline, during half time against Spurs and Clev was being labelled as the biggest disaster to ever don a United shirt, yet now everyone insists they always rated him. The reason the Cleverley bandwagon is full, is due to performances like this, kept possession made himself available, the only slight quibble I’d have is he could look for a killer pass – as he did with RVP in the first half- rather than an easy one a bit more often, but that’s me being mega-critical. 7
Anderson. Okay I’ll admit it, everyone’s favourite pie botherer is actually making me change my opinion of him. Slightly. Still frustrates with some of his passing and could do with losing a few stone but he’s not all bad. Was strong, kept hold of the ball at times and never shirked a challenge. Just needs to get the same level of fitness that other players have and cut out the pastry. 6
Wayne Rooney. Just what the doctor ordered, wanted the ball constantly, looked for openings constantly, ran his heart out constantly, linked up with others constantly. The Scouse striker seems to be revelling in his deeper role and makes you wonder whether he can operate there all season. Who’d have thought a bit of gash would make Rooney a better player. Sorry, couldn’t resist it. 8
Robin Van Persie: Waste of money. Couldn’t hit a barn door with a baguette. Rubbish. Thank you Arsene. 8
Chicharito: Although everyone seems to be getting fed up of seeing the linesman’s flag when the Little Pea plays, he’s still got a lot to offer and is always busy, just desperately needs to time his runs better, although he was unlucky with one decision when clean through. Not his best day at the office. Subbed. 5
Subs: Scott Wootton- for Evans- very little to do, but did it without any drama as Cluj searched for an equaliser. 6
Danny Welbeck – for Chicharito- didn’t have time to do a lot, although his runs gave United something of an outlet, incurred Rooney’s wrath for getting caught offside late in the game. 6
Danny Welbeck was on the pitch for 7″ plus stoppage time, had few touches, made little to nothing of them, took no shots and yet he earns the same rating as Fletcher and Anderson? Come on man.
Danny “I haven’t scored in 10 appearances” Welbeck looked no closer or more likely today than in any of his last 9 other appearances.
Last year, more deserving than Berbatov? This year, Heskey’s understudy?