Mark Hughes’ Stoke City compounded Louis van Gaal and Manchester United’s woes as they consigned the Red Devils to a 2-0 defeat at the Britannia. Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic registered themselves on the score-sheet as they continue their fine run of form at home.
The defeat leaves Manchester United in 6th place in the league table as Louis van Gaal’s future at the club hangs in balance. The win today propels Stoke into the top 8 as they improve their goal difference with a comprehensive win on Boxing Day.
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Here’s how the players rated :
Stoke City
Jack Butland – 8/10
The England number two kept a quasi-resurgent Manchester United at bay. He was by far the best player for the hosts over the course of 90 minutes.
Glenn Johnson – 7/10
The right-back gave Memphis Depay 45 minutes of hell on a cold-windy day at Britannia. He was instrumental in Stoke’s first goal and was solid in defence as well.
Ryan Shawcross – 8/10
The former Manchester United reject was imperious today as he humbled the tricky Anthony Martial with considerable ease. He led from the front, especially in the second half, where Stoke were slightly complacent.
Phillip Wollscheid – 7/10
He was the chink in this Stoke’s solid defensive armour. The German was bit tentative and looked vulnerable in the first half but redeemed himself in the second half.
Erik Pieters – 8/10
The Dutch leftback was rocksolid throughout the 90 minutes. He also linked up well with Marko Arnautovic to trouble Ashley Young.
Geoff Cameron - 8/10
The US international bullied Michael Carrick and Co. in the midfield with his aggressive presence. He was instrumental in nullifying the threat of Fellaini in the final third which in turn compounded Manchester United’s woes.
Glenn Whelan – 7/10
It was a quintessential Glenn Whelan performance where he did his job without any unwarranted fuss.
Xherdan Shaqiri – 8/10
The Swiss winger was absolutely lethal in the first half where he ran riot down the left flank. Although his influence waned a bit in the second half, he did what he ought to do, nullifying United while presenting a threat down the wings.
Bojan Krkic – 7.5/10
The Spaniard registered himself on the score-sheet by scoring the opening goal of the game. Despite scoring, he snatched at chances. Had Manchester United got back into the game it wouldn’t have been a pleasant festive period for him.
Ibrahim Afellay – 7/10
The Dutchman was instrumental in harrying United defence with his pressing and also incisive passing.
Marko Arnautovic – 7.5/10
It seems the Austrian has some special affection for Manchester clubs. After mauling Man City, the Stoke man ran ragged at Ashley Young and capped off his evening with a thunderous strike which ultimately resulted into the winning goal. He missed quite a few presentable chances later on though.
Subs –
Marco van Ginkel – 7/10
It was business as usual for the Dutch midfielder as he helped Stoke in retaining the pressure in the middle of the park. He would be kicking himself for not scoring when he had a couple of golden chances.
Charlie Adam – 6/10
The former Liverpool man was simply pedestrian and had negligible impact on the game.
Mame Biram Diouf – 6/10
Another Man United reject was playing like a man on mission. Unfortuantely, he was too wasteful of his chances and also was unable to shrug Chris Smalling off from his shoulders.
Manchester United
David De Gea – 6/10
The Spaniard was left reeling by Memphis Depay’s mistake for the first goal whereas there was hardly anything he could’ve done to stop Arnautovic’s goal. He was decent enough between the sticks which somehow contradicts the final score.
Ashley Young – 6/10
He was absolutely blown to pieces by Marko Arnautovic in the first half. Although the former Villa man put in an improved display in the second half, he was expendable for Manchester United on the pitch.
Phil Jones – 6/10
The 23 year old defender was anything but convincing in his performance at Britannia. He was unable to cope up with Bojan, who played as a false 9.
Chris Smalling – 6.5/10
The England international was one of the best United players on the field. He was perhaps the only player who wasn’t out of his depth for the entire duration of the match.
Daley Blind – 6/10
He was bullied by Xherdan Shaqiri in the first half and part of it was due to the shambolic display of Memphis down the flank. He regrouped in the second half, but the damage had already been done by then.
Michael Carrick – 5/10
Manchester United’s most potent passer of the ball hardly had any influence in the game. He barely made any telling contribution to the game.
Ander Herrera – 5/10
The Stretford End favourite perhaps had his worst game in the Manchester United shirt. The Spaniard was clearly not in his element as he was sloppy in possession and also was erratic in his tackling. It was a poor day for United’s number 21.
Juan Mata – 6/10
It was yet another uninspiring display by the Spaniard. He failed to provide the creative spark for which he was supposedly put in the starting line-up.
Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
He was by far the second worst player on the pitch. He was devoid of any creativity and was horrible in possession as well. And his finishing was woeful to say the least, especially after being played as a centre forward in the second half.
Memphis Depay – 4/10
The Dutch prodigy was utterly shambolic during his stay on the pitch. The United number 7 was erratic in possession and was simply pedestrian in the final third. It was his mistake which led to Stoke’s opening goal. All in all, it was a day to forget for him.
Anthony Martial – 6/10
It seems that all the gloom and doom at the Old Trafford is finally catching up to him as the effervescent Frenchman looked a bit mediocre for the large swathes of the game. Despite that, he was one of the better players on the pitch for the boys in red.
Subs –
Wayne Rooney – 6/10
The captain was left on the bench during the first half but was called up immediately after the break to breathe life into this flaccid Manchester United side. He did improve things marginally but alas, it wasn’t enough to get the visitors out from the pit.
Andreas Pereira – 5/10
The Brazilian was brought on to replace a torrid Ander Herrera and sadly, his performance was more or less on the same level as the Spaniard.
