MUFC Player Ratings: Manchester United vs Reading (FA Cup Third Round)
Having won seven consecutive games on the bounce, Manchester United hosted Championship side Reading to start their FA Cup campaign. The FA Cup triumph last season was one of very few bright glimmers in a season of dire football under Louis van Gaal. Although, having already progressed to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup and the knockout stages of the Europa League, the FA Cup’s importance splits opinion with supporters, who, in the vast majority, want to see their side back in the Champions League. Despite where fans want Jose Mourinho to prioritise, the Portuguese manager clearly wants to be competitive on all fronts.
Mourinho made nine changes to his starting eleven for the arrival of Jaap Stam’s Reading. Sergio Romero started in between the sticks while Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Marco Rojo and Daley Blind made up the defence. Michael Carrick partnered Marouane Fellaini at the base of midfield with the dynamic quartet of Wayne Rooney, Antony Martial, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford leading the line.
United started the game strongly, with Rooney netting his 249th goal for the Reds in the 8th minute while Martial doubled the hosts lead before the quarter-hour mark. Reading found some momentum and attempted to formulate some attacking display but Carrick and Fellaini protected their defence stoically. The pace of Rashford and Martial, often exploited by the passes from deep from Mata, Rooney or Carrick, caused Reading’s high line numerous problems. However, the Reds failed to add a third until the second half.
Jaap Stam @WikimediaCommons
Rashford grabbed a well-deserved brace in the second half with two instinctive finishes to kill any prospect of a cup upset from the third placed Championship side. Jaap Stam’s song was sung loudly and repeatedly throughout the game, although the Dutchman did not have time to enjoy it with the prominent problems of his team’s organisation being endlessly abused. Manchester United’s defence of the FA Cup started in fine style.
Player Ratings
GK: Sergio Romero: 6
A very quiet game for the Argentinian international. Made two very simple saves in either half and was not properly tested. Did, however, make a meal of a challenge on Garath McCleary in the 63rd minute which could have been deemed reckless.
RB: Ashley Young: 7
Ashely Young @WikimediaCommons
Looked dangerous every time he got into the final third but also looked suspect when asked to perform defensive duties. Put in a string of brilliant crosses just before the end of the first half which would have brought him a few assists on another day. Unfortunately, the reputation of Young’s diving habits were again on show with the Englishman taking a theatrical tumble in the 35th minute to earn his side a dangerous free kick. A two-footed challenge in the second half could have quite feasibly seen Young sent off on his 150th United appearance.
RCB: Chris Smalling: 7
A more confident showing from Smalling who has not consistently performed at the high standards he set last season. Largely unchallenged defensively apart from a few good blocks. Showed intuition by surging out of defence and playing a brilliant through ball to Rashford in the 26th minute, which the youngster fluffed wide with the goal at his mercy.
LCB: Marcos Rojo: 6
Unfortunately only lasted 18 minutes before the inform defender was hauled off with an injury. He did, however, show a brilliant range of passing when he pinged the ball to Rooney in the 5th minute for the first good chance of the game. Hopefully the injury was nothing serious or, with Bailly on duty with his national team, Ed Woodward may have to step up his interest with Benfica’s Victor Lindelöf.
LB: Daley Blind: 7
Another solid game from the Dutchman at left back. Made the joint most clearances (5) of anyone else on the pitch. Made an important header in the 23rd minute which halted a threatening Reading attack. His distribution was sound as always and his coolness under pressure was visible.
RCM: Marouane Fellaini: 8
A very good performance from the Belgian, which will go a long way with the fans after his howler at Everton last month. Complemented Carrick’s style with his brawn perfectly. Won the second most aerial duels of anyone on the pitch (4) and disrupted Reading’s build-up play consistently. Showed really good technical ability to uncharacteristically dribble past Danny Williams just before half time. Important for the Reds at both ends of the pitch.
LCM: Michael Carrick: 9
Michael Carrick @WikimediaCommons
Despite being 35 years old, Carrick still looks way too good for Championship opposition. His passing was astonishing on three separate occasions; firstly when he played an effortless first time dink out of Mata on the left wing. Secondly, he fired a brilliant eye-of-the-needle pass to Rooney who, in turn, provided Rashford with a great opportunity to score in the 33rd minute. Thirdly, his nonchalant assist to Rashford’s goal split Reading’s defence perfectly in half. Despite suffering a nasty head injury which saw him covered in blood for most of the match, the Geordie played on and was vital to United’s impressive attacking football.
RM: Juan Mata: 7
Provided Rooney with the opening goal with an instinctive cross and probed Reading’s shaky defence with his passing all afternoon. Missed a couple of decent half-chances to put United 3-0 up at the end of the first half. Faded in the second period and was replaced by Bastian Schweinsteiger with fifteen minutes to play.
CAM: Wayne Rooney: 9
A fantastic display from United’s skipper. Equalled Sir Bobby Charlton’s Manchester United goal scoring record with his 249th goal for the Reds in intuitive style with a kneed effort after six minutes. Eight minute later, Rooney showed his playmaking ability by playing a brilliant one-two with Martial which led to the Frenchman doubling United’s lead. While he was not involved in United’s other two goals, Rooney was at the heart of everything good about the Red Devil’s performance. He played five key passes, two more than any other player on the pitch.
LM: Antony Martial: 9
Debatably United’s most threatening player, especially when he is in this kind of form. Tormented Chris Gunter and Liam Moore all day with his direct running and rapid changes in direction. His dribble inside from the left set up Rooney’s opening goal and his directness was rewarded with a goal of his own shortly afterwards. Set up Mata and Rooney for good chances at the end of both halves respectively and almost grabbed a brace when Ali Al Habsi spilled his firmly struck effort.
ST: Marcus Rashford: 9
Marcus Rashford @WikimediaCommons
Could have scored four, and that’s no over exaggeration. Rounded the keeper in the first half only to miss the open net from a tight angle and failed to beat Al Habsi again when one-on-one with him just seven minutes later. Managed to find his scoring boots in the second half when he coolly placed the ball past Reading’s keeper after Carrick’s brilliant pass. Hounded down Al Habsi again four minutes later to force the Omani into an error which the youngster gleefully tucked away to kill the tie.
Subs
Phil Jones: 7
Replaced the injured Rojo and looked very comfortable all afternoon. His highlights were an important tackle and insightful pass to Rashford in the 46th minute and two vital interceptions in quick succession when Reading were pushing for a consolation goal.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah: N/A
Replaced the outstanding Carrick at centre midfield and looked comfortable. There was a noticeable downgrade in United’s passing after Carrick and Mata came off but the Reds were not punished for it.
Bastian Schweinsteiger: N/A
Came on for his second appearance of the season and, like the first, was greeted with a hero’s welcome. Did not really impact the game in any way but his Cruyff turn in the 79th minute got a big cheer from the Old Trafford faithful.
