Although the teenage sensation did not score, Anthony Martial, continued to show Manchester United that he is much more than a goal scorer. His play, along with goals from a few others that desperately needed to score helped bring United to the top of the Premier League with a dominant display over Sunderland.
The trio of Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, and Juan Mata were on the score sheet, while Daley Blind’s versatility was on display once again.
Here are United’s player ratings for the game…
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
David de Gea 8
Good reading of the match and made some sharp reactions when called upon. Took charge in another brilliant display from the Spanish keeper.
Antonio Valencia 6
Seeing more minutes with the current defensive injury crisis, but a rather quiet display for the right back. Made a few runs down the right side, however, had trouble controlling a few brilliant passes from Rooney.
Chris Smalling 8
Took charge of the back four and provided another brilliant display to ensure all three points for the Red Devils. On this occasion, his strength and calming influence were his greatest attributes.
Daley Blind 7
His great vision and wonderful pass helped set up United’s first goal before the break. Made way for Phil Jones in the second half.
Matteo Darmian 7
Out to prove a point after being hooked at half-time last weekend at Southampton. Showed his versatility by being asked to play on the left side on this occasion. Good defending and strong on the ball.
Michael Carrick 7
Part of the continuous midfield rotation that Louis van Gaal likes to utilize. Used his great reading of the game to clear out some dangerous balls. Came off for Bastian Schweinsteiger in the second half.
Morgan Schneiderlin 6
The Frenchman linked play well, but a quiet afternoon on the whole. Nothing extraordinary, yet no costly mistakes that hindered the United machine.
Juan Mata 8
Took a very poor free kick that hit the Sunderland wall early on, but soon used his cleverness to dictate play. Set up Memphis for a sitter, made some intelligent runs, and showed good touch. Rewarded with a goal in the second half.
Wayne Rooney 7
Played in the number 10 role once again and was smothered early on by the Sunderland defence, which resulted in him giving the ball away in the first 45. Finally ended his Premier League goal drought very early in the second half, and showed great vision at the heart of the attack.
Memphis Depay 6
He’ll be happy to open his goalscoring account in the league, nevertheless, looked very sluggish early on. Made some terrible crosses, took a poor free kick, and dribbled with his head down into the Sunderland defence, before being subbed off for Ashley Young in the second half.
Anthony Martial 8
The teenager did not score, nonetheless, was strong on the ball, provided good movement and his pace troubled The Black Cats. Demonstrated that he can play with his back to goal with another brilliant display to justify his enormous price-tag.
Substitutes
Bastian Schweinsteiger 6
Commanded the United midfield for the final 22 minutes when he replaced Carrick.
Phil Jones 6
Replaced Blind for the final 17 minutes and was solid in his return from injury.
Ashley Young 7
Surprisingly did not start today, but still provided an assist for the Mata goal. After a pedestrian display from Valencia, he may look to get the start midweek.
Manager: Louis van Gaal 7
Played much more attack minded, especially in the second half. His steady formation and faith in the youngster, Martial, have been paying dividends.
