Manchester United stormed to a 4-0 win over hapless Chelsea after a rip roaring display against Frank Lampard’s outclassed Blues.
Chelsea hit the woodwork twice in the first half, but a Marcus Rashford penalty and a one-on-one finish, Anthony Martial’s strike and a debut goal for Daniel James gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side a thumping win to send us second in the Premier League table.
Here are our player ratings from Old Trafford:
David de Gea – 7
Made two good saves in the first half from Pedro and Tammy Abraham but was rendered almost anonymous by United’s second half blitzkrieg. He was beaten by Emerson’s effort off the post, but a clean sheet will lay the ghosts of the corresponding fixture last season to rest.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8
What a debut! He was everywhere, stretching every sinew both in defence and attack. Didn’t put a foot wrong as the former Palace man had a superb debut, taking his pre-season form into his competitive United bow. Bar a blemish that Emerson almost took advantage of, he was superb at both ends. Looks every inch a United player.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Bedded in well alongside Maguire, he occasionally looked vulnerable on the counter attack but did well. Tried to pass out and got caught a few times, but overall solid and settled alongside his new partner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Looked very good on his debut. Blocked, tackled and distributed his way to a superb United bow. Seemed like a magnet to the ball at times and his playing out from the back led to our third goal. A contender for man of the match. The Slabhead Cometh.
Luke Shaw – 5
Didn’t do anything wrong. but United’s Player of the Year did nothing spectacular either. Got beaten for pace a few times, but on a day when United’s right-back smashed it, Shaw was solid. His positioning was questionable.
Paul Pogba – 8
A quiet start, and in fact he was almost anonymous during a first half in which Chelsea arguably were the better side. Supposedly wants to go, but his commitment and unreleting desire cannot be questioned as he eventually battered the Blues into submission and created two goals. Bossed the game and showed why he is still our most important player.
Scott McTominay – 6
Played every match in pre-season but looked rusty and lost possession often. Following the departure of Ander Herrera, a lot is expected of the young Scot, but – whilst he didn’t do anything wrong – he did not look like the answer to United’s midfield muddle.
Andreas Pereira – 6
A surprise starter, he did not justify his place although he did claim a nice assist for Anthony Martial for 2-0. Saw more of the ball and tried to get forward as United began to dominate.
Jesse Lingard – 7
Quietly impressive, he showed how he can influence United’s attack by pressing and denying Chelsea time and space on the ball. Seen as a squad player, he threatened Chelsea and was harshly booked. Replaced by Juan Mata, Lingard will never be prolific but demonstrated why Solskjaer sees him as a crucial cog in his Reds raison d’etre.
Marcus Rashford – 9
Almost anonymous for the first 18 minutes, but sparked into life when upended by Kurt Zouma for the penalty. It was a surprise to see him step up from 12 yards, but converted with aplomb. Took his second nervelessly and brilliant. Our man of the match and hassled Chelsea into submission. The Marcus Rashford we know and love.
Anthony Martial – 6
A game of glimpses. Sometimes didn’t look bothered, but also looked brilliant in his new, second era status as our number nine. Scored the game clinching goal, harshly booked but it’s clear that playing centrally suits him. On the periphery at times but came to life when it mattered.
Subs – Daniel James (for Pereira 74) – 7
Marked an impressive if fleeting debut with a goal. So happy for him. What a moment. He pointed to the sky as he was mobbed by his team-mates – a tribute to his late father – having made it four nine minutes from time.
Mason Greenwood (for Rashford 86) – N/A
No rating. Late sub.
Juan Mata (for Lingard 86) – N/A
No rating. Came on against his former side with United cruising.
Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer -9
Ole’s at the wheel. A United side reminiscent of the one we saw during the early months of his tenure!
