Manchester United 4-2 Manchester City - Player Ratings

Analysing the performances of players of Manchester United and Manchester City

Manchester United announced themselves as the Kings of Manchester in some style as they thrashed their noisy neighbours 4-2. A scintillating attacking display from both sides resulted in an end to end clash full of attacking football.

This was United’s first victory in this derby at Old Trafford since they defeated City 2-1 thanks to Rooney’s blinder of a goal in 2011. Sergio Aguero was the lone ranger for the Citizens on a day where almost all of his teammates were battered by United’s juggernaut.

Player Ratings

Manchester United

David de Gea - 7/10

The Spaniard was his usual alert self for the entire afternoon. Although his defense exposed him quite a few times in the match, he was quick off his line when needed, and made great saves. However, there were a couple of occasions when he was helpless, and they led to Sergio Aguero’s brace.

Antonio Valencia – 6.5/10

The Ecuadorian was very efficient down the right flank as he kept Clichy and Navas/ Milner at bay for almost the entire game, although he was the one at fault for City’s early opener with his sloppy positioning. He made a crucial intervention in the first half to deny Aguero a clean route on goal. Going forward, his runs were crucial to United pinning the visitors back.

Chris Smalling – 7/10

Smalling got on the scoresheet which is a big plus for any defender, but the 24-year-old was a little dodgy in his positioning in the first 10 minutes of the match at the heart of the defence. He suffered from a momentary loss of concentration but complemented Phil Jones well. All in all, it was a good game for him.

Phil Jones – 7.5/10

He was very good with his tackles and timed his interceptions to perfection. He had difficulties in tracking the runs made behind him, but, in general, was solid all throughout the match. He also lent impetus going forward, as he ventured out of the defence with the ball at his feet quite well.

Daley Blind – 8/10

He flew up and down the left flank and was ever-present out there. He was equally effective in both the departments and this was by far his best display down the left in a Manchester United shirt. He was able to control the combination of Zabaleta and Navas, and proved crucial with his interceptions, while going forward, his calm on the ball helped greatly.

Michael Carrick – 8/10

The pass master of United’s midfield was in his element as he oozed calm and composure throughout the game which was a major factor in United’s recovery from their deficit. He also circulated the ball calmly, and supported the defence brilliantly with his positioning and interceptions. Carrick could have also had a goal, but his shot was saved by Hart.

Ander Herrera – 8/10

The Spaniard’s control and tenacity in midfield was something Manchester United utilised to great effect. His effective distribution of the ball and excellent work rate gave the hosts an advantage over City’s bulky midfield.

Marouane Fellaini – 9/10

He was United’s answer to the dominance of Yaya Toure in midfield. The burly Belgian simply dominated Toure and also chipped in with a goal and hassled City’s defense at will. Fellaini was along with Young, the best players for the Reds in this win.

Ashley Young – 9/10 (MOTM)

This was his best game of his Manchester United career. Young today justified Sir Alex Ferguson’s claims that he was ‘bought to replace Ryan Giggs’. His darting runs had Zabaleta confused all day while his crossing was pinpoint. He also helped out defensively when needed, and gave two assists in addition to scoring the equaliser.

Juan Mata – 7/10

The little magician struggled a little in the first half when he struggled to find his way past the City defence. Mata though recovered in the second half when he was linking up cleverly with Rooney and Herrera. His goal was proof of his splendid recovery in the second half.

Wayne Rooney – 7.5/10

The captain led from the front as he marshalled his troops with perfect grit and determination. His assist for Juan Mata’s goal was sublime and he gave Kompany and later on Mangala a torrid time throughout the game.

Substitutions

Marcos Rojo – 5/10

The Argentine was was partly responsible in letting his compatriot Sergio Aguero score his second goal of the game as he didn’t get close enough to the striker.

Angel Di Maria – 5/10

Di Maria didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact on the game, and when he did get a couple of chances, his shots didn’t have the power requisite to score.

Radamel Falcao – 5/10

The Colombian didn’t have enough time to impact the game.

Manchester City

Joe Hart – 6/10

He was as helpless as City’s fans in the away stand as he was time and again let down by his defense. The English stopper tried his best, but United’s firepower was too much for him to handle today.

Pablo Zabaleta – 5/10

The Argentine was determined but was awful for the entire 90 minutes as United’s wide men ruthlessly exploited his failures. He was a big letdown on a big day.

Vincent Kompany – 4.5/10

The City captain tried to take the initiative with some aggressive defending but was absolutely shambolic for the defending champions. He made a couple of dangerous, late tackles, was booked for one such bad tackle on Blind, and was rightly taken off at half time.

Martin Demichelis – 6/10

He was outmuscled by Fellaini and outclassed by Rooney for the entire game. He had a forgettable derby but was the only defender who was still looking to be a little in control.

Gael Clichy – 4/10

The Frenchman was the worst defender out there on the field. He was pedestrian going forward, except for the first City goal, unlucky for United’s equaliser and was at fault for Fellaini’s goal.

Yaya Toure – 5.5/10

The Ivorian was looking good in the first half but went missing as the game wore on. He tried to outmuscle Marouane Fellaini but failed miserably as the Belgian was in no mood to be bossed by him this time around.

Fernandinho – 6/10

Though he was solid, he couldn't really exert any influence on the game and was unable to provide his defence with any protection.

Jesus Navas – 5/10

The winger was quite sub-par, as he couldn’t really use his pace well. His crosses were not good enough and he failed to get past his man more often than not. His performance was quite frankly poor for a player of his quality, which was typified by the poor shot that was saved by De Gea.

David Silva – 6/10

His pass to Sergio Aguero in City’s opener was his only meaningful contribution for the evening. Later on, he was good in patches but lacked any sort of consistency in his performance throughout the game.

James Milner – 5.5/10

He was good in the initial stages of the game where he exploited Antonio Valencia’s positioning down the right but he was slowly taken out of the game by Valencia with his disciplined approach. It was a pedestrian display by the Englishman.

Sergio Aguero – 7.5/10

Aguero scored both goals for the visitors

He was back to his usual self after some forgettable displays against Burnley and Crystal Palace. The Argentine forward rose to the occasion but sadly was let down by his teammates. He also completed his 100 goals for Man City with his brace today but the aftertaste of this crushing defeat must be spoiling his happiness of reaching the milestone.

Substitutes

Eliaquim Mangala – 6/10

The French defender tried to steady the ship with his commanding presence after a horrible first half by Vincent Kompany. Sadly though, his efforts today were not good enough and he was at fault for Smalling’s goal.

Samir Nasri – 5/10

Nasri was completely off the mark and looks like he is least interested to play for the team in blue. Today’s performance highlighted the same fact and looks like he is on his way out in the summer.

Frank Lampard – 5/10

Was he even visible during the game? Lampard was brought onto influence City’s midfield but sadly the former Chelsea man failed to do anything except compounding problems for City.