Derby County vs Manchester United: Hits and Flops | FA Cup 2019-20

The fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup comes to an end as Derby County tasted defeat against Manchester United who ran out as 3-0 winners at Pride Park. A Goal from Luke Shaw and a brace by Odion Ighalo helped the Red Devils qualify for the quarterfinals, whereas Wayne Rooney and Co. will look to bounce back in their league game against Blackburn.

It was a dominant display by The Red Devils as the Rams were never in the game, except for the starting few minutes when Louie Sibley and Rooney troubled Sergio Romero a couple of times. The away team had twice the number of shots as Derby and except for a few instances, the hosts never looked like coming back from the two goal deficit in the first half.

Undefeated in as much as nine games, United are having a good run ahead of the Manchester Derby. Let's now discuss a few hits and flops from the game.

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#4 Flop - Max Lowe (Derby)

Derby County v Manchester United - FA Cup Fifth Round

Even though the 22-year-old has been in decent form in the league this season whenever he played, Max Lowe was one of Derby's worst players on the night. The left back was constantly troubled by the likes of Juan Mata and Diogo Dalot and almost gave away the third goal of the night due to a poor touch in his own half.

Although one could argue Lowe did not have enough defensive support from the Whittaker and Lawrence, the fact that he still got completely exploited by Mata and often found himself in no man's land due to the Spaniard's brilliant positioning cannot be taken away.

The 22-year-old lost possesion 15 times in the game, while having a passing accuracy of 53.6%. A night to forget for Philip Cocu and his team as they were completely outplayed by a rampant United side that had made wholesome changes to their lineup.

#3 Hit - Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Shaw was in prime form against The Rams

For someone who did not play the whole game, Luke Shaw was arguably United's second-best player of the night, as the 24-year-old bagged a goal and set up Ighalo for his first goal of the game to take his team through to the quarterfinals of the competition.

The Englishman was subbed off in the 80th minute for Brandon Williams as the job was done and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must be happy to see his first-choice left-back gain some confidence and form before they take on Manchester City at Old Trafford this weekend.

Luke Shaw, for all his attacking expertise in the game, never failed to track back when Derby tried to exploit the wide areas. The left-back had an average of a touch every two minutes and ended the game with a passing accuracy of 90.9%.

United fans have been critical of Shaw this season and in the past as he earns a hefty wage and still does not do enough on the pitch. However, for now, the fans must be content and his real test will be coming up soon, against the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Bernado Silva on Sunday.

#2 Flop - Scott McTominay (Manchester United)

McTominay did not have the best of nights by his standards

In a game where he could've presented more authority, the 23-year-old had a quiet game as compared to his midfield companions, who were dominant in the majority of the game. Although McTominay linked up play and kept rotating the ball well, Derby County eased past the United midfield a couple of times, while both Fred and McTominay were unable to contain and stop the counter-attacks.

Although Wayne Rooney and Max Bird were on the losing side, the midfield duo caused major problems, which eventually wasn't enough as Derby's forwards were clearly having an off day.

The Scottish man won only 50% of his ground duels and was dribbled past thrice, committing 2 fouls and losing possession 11 times throughout the game; a poor stat for a midfielder who did not have to deal with any pressing from the opposition's midfield.

Scott McTominay returned from an injury and it seems he is being rushed into the team. The 23-year-old still does not look at his best and he would likely be tested to the core against midfielders like Rodri and Fernandinho in the Manchester derby.

#1 Hit - Odion Ighalo

Ighalo continues his fairytale run

In his second start in Manchester United colours, the Nigerian international continued his dream run for the Red Devils as he scored a brace and helped his team cruise into the quaterfinals of the FA Cup. The 30-year-old deservingly won the Man of The Match award for his brilliant performance away from home against a tricky Derby County side.

A last-minute January signing, Ighalo has hit the ground running as the season enters the business end and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must be very content with what he has seen from him today. With four shots on target and 22 touches inside the box, it's safe to say that Ighalo had a comfortable game.

The Nigerian won four out of the four aerial duels he attempted, while also winning two out of three ground duels. A constant threat in the box, Ighalo will be looking to continue his fairytale run and help United's cause as we enter a crucial period of the season.