Manchester United suffered a defeat at the hands of West Brom Albion after the Red Devils were reduced to 10 men in the first half. Juan Mata received his marching orders after a second yellow card for a foul on Darren Fletcher.
Salomon Rondon scored the only goal of the game as the Baggies claimed their first ever victory over United at the Hawthorns, further denting their hopes for a Champions League finish
West Bromwich Albion
Ben Foster – 7/10
Didn’t have much to do other than a few routine saves. Was untroubled for most of the game as United failed to conjure up too much with 10 men
Craig Dawson – 7/10
Had a great game today. Was solid at the back and put in several good balls in the box for the strikers to feed on
Gareth McAuley – 7.5/10
Marshalled the defence well today. Commanded his area and didn't give Martial, Rashford or Lingard much of a look in on goal.
James Chester – 6/10
Didn’t make any mistakes, didn’t do anything spectacular. All in all a thorough performance
Olsson – 7/10
Partnered McAuley well in defense. Was strong in the air clearing anything that came his way. Got himself booked unnecessarily
Claudio Yacob – 7/10
A solid game in that defensive midfield position. Prevented the likes of Herrera and Schneiderlin from creating much in terms of attacking play and also started counter attacks well after winning the ball
Craig Gardner – 7/10
An enterprising, robust and energy-driven performance. Supported the strikers really well in their attacks and got himself in the box quite a few times as well.
Darren Fletcher – 7.5/10
He was really up for the game against his old club. A committed showing in terms of box-to-box play. His energy and enthusiasm helped West Brom contain United. Also got Mata sent off after drawing the foul
Saido Berahino – 5.5/10
Had a decent game. But he was kept quiet by United’s defence today. A few runs and shots on target but nothing to trouble De Gea.
Stephan Sessegnon – 5.5/10
Poor compared to how he usually is their most creative player. Didn’t keep the ball too well. Should have done better in possession
Salomon Rondon – 8.5/10
Was brilliant all game. Never tired and kept running at the United defence. Got the deciding goal for his team after a fine low instinctive finish. His strength pace and power were too much for the full backs.
Substitutes:
Pocognoli – 7.5/10
Talk about an impactful substitution. The left back came on for the injured Dawson in the second half and provided the assist for Rondon’s goal. He constantly threatened down that left flank giving United’s defenders all sorts of problems.
James Mcclean – 5/10
Came on for Sessegnon but didn’t really influence proceedings
Sandro – N/A
Late sub for Berahino
Manchester United
David De Gea – 6/10
Couldn’t do much about the goal as it went past him in a flash. Other than that maybe could have been a little more assured but then again it was a game of few chances and there was not much for him to do.
Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Gave a good account of himself at right back. Tried to join the United attacks as frequently as possible but couldn't really affect the play. Was substituted for Fosu-Mensah who came on for the last seven munites of the game
Chris Smalling – 7.5/10
Arguably United’s best player on the pitch today. Rondon was very fired up throughout the match but Smalling kept him at bay and United in the game many times during the 90 minutes. Made several crucial blocks and interceptions. Shows how much United missed his presence
Daley Blind – 5.5/10
Did not compliment his partners efforts at the back today. Looked shaky at times especially when there were several low balls crossed into the box. Was partly at fault for the goal as well after leaving Rondon unmarked to score.
Marcus Rojo – 6.5/10
Was average in his display. Did well at the back in neutralizing the threat that came his way but couldn’t attack much today because of United being down to 10 men
Micheal Carrick – 6/10
A below par performance in midfield. Normally good in starting attacks and playing delightful through balls but today he couldn’t have he same influence he usually does in tight games
Ander Herrera – 6/10
Another of United’s midfielders who was ineffective in his performance. At his best he makes bustling runs and intelligent forward passes but none of those qualities were on show today
Jesse Lingard – 6/10
Was bright in periods of the game. Made a few darting runs on the wings that caused West Brom some trouble but could not do the same with consistency throughout the 90 minutes.
Juan Mata – 3.5/10
Mr. nice guy had a completely opposite performance. Two poor and completely avoidable challenges resulted in him being sent off within 25 minutes of the game. Can be partly faulted for the loss.His quality was visibly missed as United lacked creativity.
Anthony Martial – 8/10
What a buy this young player is turning out to be. Once again United’s best player in attack. Looked most likely to produce something for the Red Devils. Did his best to setup others as well but unfortunately, his attack partners didn’t produce the same levels of performance
Marcus Rashford – 5.5/10
After exploding onto the scene in his first two games as a United player he seems to have faded a little. Had a relatively quiet game today. Came close on one occasion after his shot deflected just wide of the post but nothing else to highlight.
Substitutes:
Morgan Schniederlin – 5/10
Came on for Herrera with 30 minutes to play. He couldn’t make much of a difference in the midfield as United laboured to create chances
Fosu-Mensah – N/A
Was a late sub for Damian
Memphis Depay - N/A
Another sub appearance for the winger who hasn't really performed to expectations this season
