Pep Guardiola’s relentless City slickers kept up their march to the title despite a much-improved showing from the reshuffled Reds. United’s effort and application cannot be faulted this time, more a startling lack of quality as City seized an advantage they never relinquished. It’s clear this side needs money spent on it big time.
Every cloud has a (Bernardo) Silva lining though, and this means that City are three wins away from retaining the title at Liverpool’s expense.
NEXT: (Video) Pundit raises some serious doubts about Solskjaer’s ability as a manager
David De Gea – 3
For so long the question is asked: where would United be without David de Gea? We’re getting the answer now. Should have done better for both goals, his kicking was poor and handling jittery. Finished as a top keeper. Very, very poor. If he’s going to Madrid, good riddance.
Victor Lindelof – 5
Restored to central defence on the right of a back three/five, after moonlighting at right back against Everton. It was hard to think of anything Lindelof did wrong particularly. Struggled at times against City’s potent front line but he’s certainly not alone there.
Chris Smalling – 5
Lost the ball too often and got run ragged by Sterling on occasions. Left on his backside by Sterling’s surge shortly before half time. Improved from the Everton game but then again that’s not saying much
Matteo Darmian – 4
On his first appearance since January, the wantaway Italian was a shock starter in the derby. United set up to counter-attack and Darmian offered little. He’s not good enough to be a United player and was average.
Ashley Young – 6
I’ve been this man’s biggest critic this season and he has rightly had some flak for a series of wretched performances. But, credit where it is due, he was solid tonight. maybe it’s because he was at right wing back rather than an out and out defender, but he did OK. He was decent. Can’t be blamed for either goal and put in one of his better performances.
Paul Pogba – 5
If ever a match encapsulated the enigma that is Pogba, it was this one. How often have we said that? Flashes of brilliance including one moment when he sent Gundogan back to Germany, but far too casual and lost the ball too much. Average.
Fred – 4
Lost the ball for United’s second goal, failed to track back and looked poor. Didn’t offer anything, predictably got dominated by City’s slickers and looked lightweight. He’s not box-to-box, he’s not a CAM or a CDM so what type of player is he meant to be?
Andreas Pereira – 4
Another surprise starter ahead of the likes of Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic. Didn’t offer much, was indecisive and got clumsily booked. Jury out on him for me. Was part of a pedestrian United midfield that just didn’t create enough.
Luke Shaw – 5
Probably his worst game this season, left Leroy Sane far too open for the second goal and barely ventured forward. It was his first game for three weeks and you could tell. Was always going to be a difficult night but Shaw struggled.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Looked more like the frightening young talent we know and love. United’s best player and a constant menace to the City defence. Went close with a couple of sighters and was the pick of the bunch in Red. Created a wonderful chance for Lingard that his striker partner somehow fluffed. Excellent.
Jesse Lingard – 6
His usual industrial and energetic self. Can’t fault his work rate but hard to ignore the second half sitter that he should have buried. 0-1 down at the time, it’s a different game if that goes in.
Subs
Romelu Lukaku (for Pereira 74) – 6
Came on and did nothing. Missed a chance he should have buried.
Anthony Martial (for Lingard 83) – No rating
A few darting runs but no real time to make an impact.
Alexis Sanchez (for Darmian 83) – No rating
Thrown into the action late on.
