PLAYER RATINGS: Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
David De Gea – 7.5
Made a good save to stop Giroud scoring, but Arsenal didn’t really trouble him much. Unfortunately had to come off as a result of a knock on the hip. Hopefully not his last match at Old Trafford for United!
Antonio Valencia – 7
Played well; handled Sanchez capably on the right side. However, his crosses have to be better.
Chris Smalling – 8
First start as captain – was extremely solid at the back and marshalled his defence superbly.
Phil Jones – 6.5
Was clumsy to say the least, made a couple of errors, and needs to be better.
Marcos Rojo – 7.5
I really don’t know why Van Gaal took him off, as he was playing well. A good performance, but has to show more if he is playing left back.
Daley Blind – 7
Provided good cover in front of the defence but has improve his passing. Was unlucky not to score, having a goal-bound shot blocked by Smalling.
Ander Herrera – 8
Proficiently pressed the Arsenal midfield and defence, scored a sublime volley, and made some good passes and tackles. Overall, a very good game.
Marouane Fellaini – 7
Won aerial duels, but didn’t show much defensively and his performances need to improve as teams have found ways to contain him.
Juan Mata – 7
Made some good passes, showed great movement but just couldn’t deliver the final ball. Strongly believe he should take more free kicks.
Ashley Young – 9
Another great performance. Never thought I would be saying this a year back, but he is currently United’s best player. Destroyed Bellerin, provided the assist for the goal, and was generally flawless. He now has a cockiness and confidence about him befitting of a United player. He also helped defensively as well. With performances like these, Di Maria will have to wait.
Radamel Falcao – 7
Falcao put in a decent performance, creating a few chances, in probably his last game as a United player at Old Trafford (he signified this when he came off giving the old Trafford faithful a goodbye wave).
SUBSTITUTES
Victor Valdes – 6.5
An unexpected United debut for Valdes. Besides conceding a goal, which wasn’t his fault, he didn’t have much to do. I believe he will start the final game against Hull.
Tyler Blackett – 6
Did not do as well as Rojo – Walcott exposed him. Also scored the own goal, showing his inexperience.
Robin Van Persie – 6.5
Difficult to asses his game as he had very little time on the pitch. However, would like to see him start the next game.
