Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-1 Wolves
Manchester United 0-1 Wolves | Premier League
Manchester United start the year with Ralf Rangnick tasting defeat for the first time as United boss. The game was a display of Wolverhampton dominance from the off, as Wolves’ constant pressure reduced United to half chances. Wolves’ much-deserved winner came in the 82nd minute as Joao Moutinho converted the chance leading to a Wanderers triumph at Old Trafford.
Here’s how each player performed coupled with a rating out of 10.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
David De Gea: 6
De Gea pulled off a couple of excellent saves. A notable example is where he tipped the ball over the bar, after Ruben Neves fired a sensational volleyed shot towards the United goal. To add, the conceded goal was not his fault.
Luke Shaw: 4
Shaw looked bright in spells but looked a consistent loose cannon at left-back. The blame for the goal partially lays at his door as his reluctance to close down Adama Traore resulted in the initial cross into the box.
Raphael Varane: 4
Varane had an average performance today – he did what he had to but didn’t contribute significantly to the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesPhil Jones: 6
Phil Jones was arguably United’s best player. He put his body on the line on numerous occasions and showed strong ariel ability. This was particularly impressive considering that, prior to this game, he has had over two years out due to injury.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 4
Wan-Bissaka was effective going forward during the first half. However, this faded as the game went on. Overall, this wasn’t his best performance.
Midfield
Scott Mctominay: 4
Mctominay certainly didn’t perform as well as he has done in recent appearances. He was sloppy in possession and lost the ball on several occasions through misplaced passes.
Nemanja Matic: 5
Matic showed glimpses of class throughout the game and was probably United’s best midfielder. He drove forward through the centre and showed composure in possession. Despite this, United’s midfield seems unable to sustain control of the ball week in week out, and this could become a problem if the board do not complete any transfer business this January.
Embed from Getty ImagesMason Greenwood: 6
Greenwood, before being substituted, was up there as one of United’s best performers. His switch-play style long balls are a joy to watch, and he displays mature confidence when the ball is at his feet. Greenwood was unlucky to be withdrawn.
Jadon Sancho: 4
Sancho showed signs of class throughout the game. Despite this, he too didn’t get into 2nd gear and was unable to attack the Wolves defence with much conviction.
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo: 4
I wouldn’t call this a ‘captain’s performance’ from Ronaldo, in all honesty. He was mostly ineffective up front and squandered a number of opportunities.
Embed from Getty ImagesEdinson Cavani: 5
Cavani worked hard to win the ball today but his efforts weren’t supplemented by any real quality.
Substitutes
Bruno Fernandes: 6
Bruno looked lively upon coming on. He almost scored on two occasions – hitting the crossbar from close range, and a well-struck free-kick at the end of the game.
Marcus Rashford: 5
Rashford’s brief appearance was insignificant, as he was unable to get into any rhythm which could describe his season as a whole.
Anthony Elanga: 5
The academy graduate wasn’t on the pitch long enough to impact the game.
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