Manchester United 2-1 Sunderland: 5 players to be credited for United's victory

Belgium’s teenage sensation Adnan Januzaj may have grabbed all the headlines in Manchester United’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, but there were four other players who should be credited as much for the defending Premier League champions’ stirring comeback in the second half.

5. Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra

The left-back once again was key for United as he proved to be one of the main outlets in attack and was a constant menace down that left flank. His attacking ability also let a certain Adnan Januzaj drift infield and make those darting runs into the box as an extra attacker. He may have gotten hoodwinked a couple of times defensively, but on attack he was a huge plus for David Moyes’ side.

Pass success rate – 79%

Key passes – 3

Interceptions – 3

4. Rafael

Rafael da Silva

If the left flank for United was good, then Rafael at right-back had a solid game. Not only did he bombard forward with his bustling overlaps, he had a very good game defensively for United. Most of the Sunderland attacks that did threaten came in from the other flank and Rafael did a good job of marking Emanuele Giaccherini. Also his good work on that side, made Nani look much better than he actually was.

Pass success % – 77%

Key passes – 2

Aerial duels won – 2

Interceptions – 6

Clearances – 7

3. David De Gea

David De Gea

A game-changing moment in the match was De Gea’s quite brilliant save to prevent Giaccherini from putting Sunderland 2-0 ahead. Adam Johnson picked out the Italian with a good cross whose bullet header was heading into the back of the net before it was met by a strong one-handed punch from United’s Spanish stopper.

Had that goal gone in, United may have found it too steep a mountain to climb to get back in the match.

He had a good game all-round and was commanding with the aerial balls thumped in by Sunderland as well. That apart, he excelled once again with his distribution, putting in six accurate long balls out to his forwards and midfield players.

2. Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick

Crucial to United holding their shape much better and getting them flowing in the second half. Tom Cleverley who played alongside was missing for the most part, but Carrick managed to put in a good shift.

He had the most touches of any United player (123) and had a pass completion rate of 88% for the game.

Also served as the extra man in defence whenever mopping up was needed, and it was necessary in this game more than ever, as United’s centre-back pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Phil Jones had a game to forget.

He also completed 12 of his 15 long balls that he attempted and even took home the Man of the Match award after the game for his strong under-the-radar-performance.

1. Adnan Januzaj

The flavour of the moment for all Manchester United fans.

He may not be the messiah to rescue the side from their disastrous start, but he is certainly showing the glimpses of skill that could motivate this United team to perform better and galvanize the side.

The signs have been there since the beginning of pre-season and Januzaj with every game seems to be convincing the United faithful and the manager of his huge promise as a winger.

He is managing to keep Shinji Kagawa out of the side with his performances and the Japanese playmaker must be wondering what he must do to regain his place in the side.

He is number one here, because he scored the two goals, and the second one was quite a sumptuous strike. He also drew quite a few fouls in advanced areas of the pitch for United.

Contract negotiations are on, and Ed Woodward would do well to sign this youngster down to a long-term contract at Old Trafford.

Shots on target – 3/6

Goals – 2

Pass completion rate – 86%