Player Ratings: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

An easy win for the Champions

Manchester United

David De Gea (6)

Fumbled a bit on the long crosses into the box but was excellent in shot stopping and releasing the ball. The ball he sent for Young to chase down eventually led to Anderson’s goal. Backed by the home supporters, finally showed a bit of aggression when Defoe kicked him instead of the ball.

Chris Smalling (7.5)

Started his United career as a center back but has been a revelation at right back. Ran up and down the pitch and never really allowed Bale to make a surging run in United’s half.

Phil Jones (8)

Filling in for the injured Rio Ferdinand, Jones justified his 16.5M price tag with a dominating performance.

Jonny Evans (7)

A comfortable outing for Evans. Stayed behind while Smalling and Jones ran forward to support the attack. Made a few important interceptions as well.

Patrice Evra (6.5)

Looked good while going forward but didn’t defend with equal prowess. Was outpaced on more than one occasion by Lennon. However, Young provided an excellent cover for him defensively.

Ashley Young (7.5)

Young has seemed to settle in really well at United following his move from Aston Villa. Provides the “fantasy” that many thought United lacked last season.

Tom Cleverley (7.5)

Tested Friedel early on in the match, with the 40 year old managing to make a fingertip save. Looked much better in the second half and a pinpoint cross into the box led to Welbeck’s goal.

Anderson (8)

Was immense in midfield. Didn’t allow Van der Vaart to settle throughout the match. The Brazilian has shed a few extra pounds and looked lively on the pitch. Was involved in a few attacking moves before scoring one himself in the 76th minute.

Luis Nani (7)

Made great runs on the wings and looked at ease on both flanks. Tried to cut inside on a few occasions and was guilty of being selfish at times.

Wayne Rooney (8.5)

Dictated the play from his new found position in ‘the hole’. Playing just behind Welbeck, Rooney dropped deep into his own half more than once to collect the ball and initiate attack. Forced Friedel into a save from a goal bound freekick. Scored from a header in the 86^th minute to top off a perfect outing.

Danny Welbeck (8.5)

Scored one with an excellent header and created another with a cheeky back heel. Had a unforgettable day and was given a rapturous farewell when he came off in the 81st minute.

Substitutes:

Javier Hernandez , Ji Sung Park, Ryan Giggs: Came on together in the 81st minute and didn’t really get enough match time to prove themselves. Still, Giggs managed to rake up an assist when his cross inside the box led to Rooney’s goal.

Manchester United Player of the Match: Wayne Rooney

Manchester United Flop of the Match: No one really, but just to name one, Patrice Evra

Tottenham Hotspur:

Brad Friedel (8)

The only change in the starting XI that Tottenham made to the team that faced Hearts midweek. Spared Tottenham of the blushes with few vital saves throughout the course of the match.

Kyle Walker (5)

The England U21 international still has a lot of work to do to make a name for himself in the premier league. Was handed a starting place courtesy of a fine performance midweek, but was replaced at half time.

Michael Dawson (6)

Tried his best but was unable to contain the fluid Man United attack. Was caught unaware on the two occasions (that led to goals) the ball was crossed inside the box.

Younes Kaboul (6.5)

Sent in a few crunching tackles but like his captain, was caught out of position for the goals.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto (6.5)

Solid display defensively, but didn’t do much in the opposition half.

Gareth Bale (6)

The Welshman looked a shadow of himself and found it hard against Chris Smalling. Looked lively early in the match but was invisible for the better part of the second half.

Aaron Lennon (7)

Troubled Evra with his pace but lacked final delivery. Gave up too soon after United scored.

Jake Livermore (6)

The 22 year old had a decent outing. Controlled the midfield with his physicality but lacked creativity and preferred to pass sideways.

Niko Kranjcar (6)

His predictable style of play never really troubled United. The Croat held on to the ball nicely but like Livermore, lacked creativity.

Rafael van der Vaart (7)

Was easily the main threat to United’s defense. Never shy to shoot, van der Vaart tried to test De Gea from outside the penalty area on more than one occasion. Faded in the final minutes of the 90.

Jermain Defoe (6)

Managed to stay invisible throughout the match. Unlike Rooney, preferred to stay in opposition’s half and never really troubled the makeshift United defense. A strike partner might help improve Defoe’s performance.

Substitutes:

Vedran Corluka (6)

Came on at half time in place of youngster Kyle Walker. The former Manchester City player did well against Young and questioned Redknapp’s team selection.

Tom Huddlestone (6)

The sturdy midfielder replaced Livermore in the 74th minute but didn’t do much except trying a shot or two from distance.

Roman Pavlyuchenko (6)

Came on late in the second half to partner Defoe upfront. Never really settled into the match as referee signaled full time.

Tottenham’s Player of the Match: Brad Friedel

Tottenham’s Flop of the Match: Gareth Bale

Recommended Reads:-5 Things We Learned From Manchester United vs. Tottenham

A Tactical Review of Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Danny Welbeck inspires Manchester United into Victory