Martial Rises To The Occasion: Manchester United Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Manchester United dropped two points against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after a last-gasp equaliser by Ross Barkley helped maintain Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season. The Red Devils were unlucky to have conceded that goal after an excellent second-half display that saw them come back from a 1-0 deficit at half-time.

Here are the Manchester United players rated in their draw against Chelsea.

David de Gea (7.5/10): A solid performance from the Spaniard, especially after a dismal start to the season. De Gea made a couple of crucial saves throughout the game, including a one-handed diving effort to deny N’Golo Kante. He was unlucky to concede the late equalizer.

Ashley Young (6.5/10): Ashley Young was swamped in the first half by Chelsea’s wide-duo of Marcos Alonso and Eden Hazard. Both of them tried to take advantage of his supposed defensive shortcomings but were unable to carve any clear openings.

Chris Smalling (7.5/10): Yet another convincing display from the English international, who won the most number of headed duels amongst the players on the pitch. His improving performances will undoubtedly be a massive boost for Manchester United.

Victor Lindelof (7/10): Lindelof struggled to cope with the sharp Chelsea attack in the first half, often appearing tentative in possession. However, he had a steadier second half, but that was primarily due to an improved pressing scheme from Manchester United which will be of use in future tactics employed by Jose.

Luke Shaw (7/10): Willian gave Shaw a lot to think about in the first half. He did enjoy a few good moments in the second half when he was allowed to move forward.

Nemanja Matic (7/10): Appeared sloppy throughout the course of the first half, often making clumsy fouls and was rightfully booked early on. However, his improved second-half performance helped his team control the midfield as he was heavily involved in United’s fast-paced pressing.

Paul Pogba (7.5/10): After a stale first half, it was Pogba who charged his team in the second half with a motoring display that saw United roar back into the game. He made a series of marauding runs forward and also made a lot of key passes in the final third. However, he was culpable for Rudiger’s headed opener.

Marcus Rashford (7.5/10): One of United’s most impressive players on the pitch, Rashford produced yet another tireless display on the flanks. The English international was involved in almost every attacking move on the visitor’s part and assisted Martial for his second goal.

Juan Mata (8/10): After an anonymous display in the first-half, Juan Mata showed precisely what he’s capable of, by creating a host of chances in the final third. He appeared extremely fluent with his decision making in attack and was responsible for creating most of United’s chances in the second half.

Anthony Martial (9/10): Martial was the star of the show scoring a brace against Chelsea. He displayed brilliant skill and composure for the first goal and then followed it up with an equally sublime finish for the second. Such an impressive performance will surely help him nail down a regular spot in the starting lineup especially with Alexis Sanchez underperforming.

Romelu Lukaku (6/10): Although anonymous for a substantial period of the game, Lukaku’s tireless attitude played a key role behind Man United’s rejuvenated performance in the second half. However, he certainly needs to find his scoring form sooner rather than later.

Substitutes

Ander Herrera (6/10): Replaced the tiring Juan Mata for the final phase of the game but didn’t make much of a difference.

Andreas Pereira (NA): Came on for Anthony Martial in the 83rd minute but it was redundant as Chelsea snatched a point later on in the game.

Alexis Sanchez (NA): Had very little time to make any sort of impact especially after United were pinned down during the final few minutes of the game.