Manchester United v Leverkusen : PLAYER RATINGS - David de Gea 7 -Not tested a great deal but the young Spaniard was equal to all of Leverkusen’s efforts. Made a couple of good claims from corners and his fast and pinpoint distribution started a number of counter attacks for United. Chris Smalling 7 -Still looked awkward at times but Smalling took up some good defensive positions, won numerous tackles and provided some support to Antonio Valencia ahead of him. His final ball was somewhat erratic but Smalling was a threat in Leverkusen’s box, scoring one and coming close to notching another. Rio Ferdinand 6 -The experienced centre half started off slowly, misplacing a couple of early passes and had Jonny Evans to thank for a fantastic block after Kiessling skipped past him all too easily. The 35-year-old grew into the game but was far from his best. Jonny Evans 9 -A last ditch first half block was pivotal with Kiessling looking certain to give Leverkusen the lead until Evans reacted decisively. The Irishman read the game perfectly and used possession intelligently. Notched his first goal of the season too. Patrice Evra 6 -A respectable defensive performance from the stand-in skipper who carried the ball forward effectively on the counter. The Frenchman was withdrawn after 70 minutes, probably with the game at the weekend in mind. Antonio Valencia 8 -Valencia’s best display of the season so far. The Ecuadorian had the beating of Emre Can from the outset and gave his opposing full-back a torrid time. Valencia whipped in a number of quality crosses and looked back to his former self with a well taken goal too. Phil Jones 7 -Put himself about well in the centre and kept the ball well, if being a little safe. Jones was the near perfect foil for Giggs and helped to win the midfield battle with his smart recoveries of possession. Ryan Giggs 8 -An inventive, incisive midfield showing from the veteran. Giggs, who turns 40 on Friday, rolled back the years completing more passes than any other player on the pitch and his lofted through ball for Nani’s late strike was exquisite. Nani 7 -Didn’t see as much of the ball as Antonio Valencia on the right flank but Nani had some good moments on the ball and his late goal was sublime. Defensively, his contribution was impressive too. Shinji Kagawa 8 -Excelled in his preferred position behind the striker. Kagawa was a potent weapon on the counter-attack and was heavily involved in the build-up to goals one and four for United. Tactically aware and influenced the game throughout, something he struggles to do from the wing. Wayne Rooney 8 -Racked up an impressive four assists in total and continues to look reborn and revitalised under David Moyes. Rooney was effective in the attacking third and despite not having many clear-cut chances, he created a number of openings for his team-mates. Substitutes Alexander Buttner 6 -Not a great deal to do. Flashed a shot over late on but looked shaky defensively as per usual. Ashley Young 5 -Didn’t have much of an impact in the ten or so minutes he spent on the pitch. Anderson 6 -Replaced Rooney with ten minutes remaining and squandered a wonderful chance to open his account for the season. Drove forward with the ball well though.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 06:08:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015