Manchester United
David de Gea – 6.5
A couple of mainstream saves apart, there was largely nothing for the star goalkeeper to do all night. He was heavily exposed thanks to Chris Smalling’s absence in defence which led to the goal.
Guillermo Varela – 7
A night of real progress for the young fullback, who succeeded in the challenge of keeping Nick Blackman quiet. Was given a few testing moments by Stephen Warnock, but he reacted to them professionally thanks to his confident tackles. He made a few purposeful advancing runs down the flanks as well, confining Blackman to his own half for most of the game.
Chris Smalling – 6.5
A mixed day for the 26-year old, whose defensive error resulted in Derby’s equaliser. He made up for that in style though, making a wonderful last-man tackle to impede Chris Martin from pulling the trigger. Overall, a strong performance by the centre-half.
Daley Blind – 7.5
An amazing performance from the makeshift centre-back. He kept out most of the crosses coming in from Tom Ince on the right-wing. He was also responsible for foiling most of Derby’s counter-attacks led by George Thorne and Jacob Butterfield. A smart finish from a Jesse Lingard ball across the box to restore Manchester United’s advantage capped off a phenomenal night for the Dutchman.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – 7
Linked up well with Anthony Martial on the left to help him make those mazy runs towards the left bye-line. Defensively strong as well, tracking down most of Cyrus Christie and Tom Ince’s runs down the flank.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6.5
A bit sloppy from the Frenchman, who gave the ball away on a couple of occasions to allow Derby to set up a counter attack. A 100% tackle success rate, however, ensured Derby were unable to get that final through ball right despite winning possession in the middle of the pitch.
Marouane Fellaini – 6.5
Another meagre performance from the Belgian, who was guilty of losing the ball in important positions to allow Derby to create goal-scoring opportunities on the break. He asked too much from his wingers with meaningless long-balls. He gets extra ratings just for his strength to win aerial duels and thwart the likes of Bradley Johnson and George Thorne.
Jesse Lingard – 7
A good performance from the winger, whose fine ball whizzing across the box resulted in Manchester United’s second goal. That apart, he made a number of quality crosses to test the centre-back duo of Jason Shackell and Richard Keogh. A good partnership with Guillermo Varela on the right was instrumental in Manchester United continually creating chances upfront.
Juan Mata – 7.5
A performance which may have convinced Louis van Gaal that Juan Mata’s best position is in a number 10 role behind the striker. He linked up excellently with Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney to create all sorts of headaches for the Rams’ defenders. His vision to make that incisive pass to Wayne Rooney upfront was pleasing to the eye. He may just have played himself back into the starting line-up in the Premier League thanks to that display on Friday night.
Anthony Martial – 9
He literally stole the show at the iPro Stadium with his quick feet and ease with which he continued to help himself into the Derby penalty area. He slalomed past right-back Cyrus Christie each time the duo locked horns. Had it not been for some lacklustre finishing, Martial may have easily had 4 or 5 assists to his name by the end of the game. His dribble past Christie to assist Juan Mata for Manchester United’s third goal sent the right-back to the floor – very typical of a WWE scene. If he continues to beat players with such ease in every game, one can be assured that this lad has the potential to become one of European football’s top drawer wingers.
Wayne Rooney – 8
The skipper is a striker in form and his brilliant bending finish from the edge of the box in the 16th minute proved just that. Could have easily scored another but for a last-ditch Stephen Warnock clearance. 6 goals in 6 games now for the 30-year old – an extended run will prove to be invaluable in an attempt to get Manchester United’s stuttering season back on track.
Substitutes
Michael Carrick – 6.5
Replaced Schneiderlin after 74 minutes to shut up shop. Did that job extremely well, passing the ball around nicely and bringing that calming influence to the whole Manchester United midfield.
Ander Herrera – N/A
Came on in place of Juan Mata with just 6 minutes to go. Not enough time to make a mark.
