Manchester United travelled to Bramall Lane on Thursday evening to face-off against Chris Wilder’s struggling Blades during a match which saw the visitors win 2-3.
Coming into the game, United were looking to take all-points from the first of their two games in-hand against league leaders and arch-rivals Liverpool.
Elsewhere and on the flip-side, Sheffield United were desperately hoping to kick-start their 2020-21 campaign by nicking their first win of the campaign.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watched on as his youthful side beat the Blades 2-3 after a brace from Marcus Rashford and another from Anthony Martial sealed the victory.
Despite a late Sheffield United second, the Reds were far the better side all evening and deserved nothing less than all the points.
In light of Thursday’s exciting clash, we have rated every United player who featured.
Dean Henderson
After being recalled to the starting line-up to face-off against his old side, Henderson’s reunion did not get off to the best of starts.
The 23-year-old had a slapstick moment early on which helped gift David McGoldrick with the chance to open the scoring – Which he gladly took.
No glaringly obvious mistakes during the second-half thankfully, but I would be surprised to see the Englishman start against Leeds United on Sunday over De Gea.
Rating: 6/10
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Had a good game overall. Did well defensively and joined in effectively when facing the other way.
Rating: 6/10
Victor Lindelof
The Swedish centre-back’s passing range is really becoming apparent in recent weeks and was showcased yet again on Thursday evening.
Played a beautiful ball over-the-top to team-mate Marcus Rashford who finished off superbly during the first-half.
Unfortunately, didn’t cover himself in glory with a few minutes to go after confusion at the back lead to a late Sheffield United second.
Rating: 6/10
Harry Maguire
Commanded the back-line very well, looked good in their air and used his physically statute effectively throughout.
Rating: 6/10
Alex Telles
Worked hard down United’s left-hand side all evening.
Still looks a little shaky in the air but does execute his recovery tackles well; a much improved performance overall on last time out.
Rating: 6/10
Nemanja Matic
The experienced Serbian commanded United’s midfield well and added to the Reds’ physicality in the middle of the park.
Rating: 6/10
Paul Pogba
Played the role of creator all evening. The Frenchman’s range of passing as well as his vision and awareness was on another level.
Class.
Rating: 8/10
Bruno Fernandes
Lively all evening. Made several key link-up passes with his two most notable being sublime outside of the boot curlers.
Subbed off with 10-minutes to go for Donny van de Beek.
Rating: 7/10
Anthony Martial
Put his side into the lead just before half-time.
United’s number-nine executed some classy movement throughout and will undoubtedly had his confidence lifted after a decent performance all round.
Subbed off in extra time for Scott McTominay.
Rating: 7/10
Marcus Rashford
Scored a brilliant goal during the first-half to draw United level and added to his tally early in the second-half after finishing off a superb United move.
United’s number-10 had one of his best games of the new 2020-21 season, so far.
Rating: 9/10
Mason Greenwood
Played a key role in a lot of United’s build-up play. I would still prefer to see the teenager playing centrally, but he’s done his starting role against Leeds United case no harm.
Subbed off in the 74th-minute for Juan Mata.
Rating: 6/10
Subs:
Juan Mata
Came on with 15-minutes to go in place of Greenwood.
Ensured his side’s tempo did not drop and added some invaluable experience as the Reds looked to continue their free-flowing, attacking football.
Decent cameo appearance.
Rating: 6/10
Donny van de Beek
Came on in place of Bruno Fernandes during the 79th-minute.
Rating: N/A
Scott McTominay
Subbed on for Martial with a few minutes to go.
Rating: N/A
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