Stoke City
Lee Grant – 9/10
In what was only his second match for Stoke City in place of Shay Given, Lee grant produced a man of the match display between the sticks, and was the difference between a loss and a draw for Stoke. Produced crucial close-range saves from Ibrahimovic and Lingard, and made a total of 8 saves in the match – joint most by any Premier League goalkeeper this season.
Glen Johnson – 7/10
The former Liverpool man was instrumental in setting up his side's equalizing goal as he cut inside from the right wing to unleash a shot that David De Gea could not parry away too far. Johnson looked assured on the ball and was a constant threat bombing forward on the wing.
Ryan Shawcross – 6/10
Ryan Shawcross was calm and composed as the leader of the centre back pairing with Bruno Martins Indi. There were no stand out moments from the Stoke captain, but no moments of weakness either. Would be happy his side are taking home a point.
Bruno Martins Indi – 7/10
The Dutchman was easily the best defender on the pitch in the match, and made a couple of goal-saving blocks to deny Manchester United a goal. Solid overall, and quick on the ground as well.
Erik Pieters – 6/10
Pieters gave the ball away cheaply once and was lucky to not be punished by Manchester United in return. He was defensively oriented throughout the game otherwise, and did not venture forward much like the other full back Glen Johnson.
Geoff Cameron – 6/10
What Geoff Cameron lacked in attacking confidence, he more than made up for it in being the player through which all Stoke attacks were orchestrated. The American could have given Stoke an early lead when the ball was squared to him by Joe Allen, but his shot was not powerful enough to trouble De Gea.
Glen Whelan – 6/10
It was a typical Glen Whelan performance, which involved him forcing the United midfielders into making mistakes with his pressing game. One is left to wonder whether United could have absorbed Stoke’s attacking pressure early in the second half if he had joined in the attack as well.
Joe Allen – 8.5/10
‘Welsh Xavi’ Joe Allen was the key behind Stoke City’s draw today. Apart from getting the equalizing goal where he showed great positional sense to smash the ball home, he was all over the United midfield like a rash, not allowing the likes of Pogba and Rooney a minute’s rest on the ball. Best midfielder on the pitch in the match.
Xherdan Shaqiri – 6.5/10
The Swiss Maestro was given a free flowing role across the front three which also included Arnautovic and Bony. Shaqiri had a few good moments on the counter attack where he took on the United defenders, but the final pass always eluded him.
Wilfried Bony – 6/10
The powerful Ivorian held the ball well in the middle of the attacking three, but with Arnautovic and Shaqiri not proving to be willing runners, he could not provide the service. Overall, Bony’s positional sense needed to be better. Substituted for Peter Crouch in the 77th minute.
Marko Arnautovic – 5.5/10
Arnautovic was guilty of dallying on the ball too much when making a pass would have been the better option. Was checked well on the right wing by Antonio Valencia, and was substituted for Jonathan Walters in the 77th minute after enduring a frustrating afternoon.
Substitutes
Peter Crouch – N/A
Crouch came on for Wilfried Bony in the 77th minute.
Jonathan Walters – N/A
Walters came on for Marko Arnautovic in the 77th minute. Although he was not heavily involved in the attack, he did well to reach the ball first after De Gea had parried it away from Glen Jonhson's shot, which eventually resulted in the goal.
