After a dire performance against Norwich last weekend, everyone expected Manchester United to come roaring out of the gates at Stoke and stake their claim as one of the best in England, right? Wrong. The problems continued to pile up, as United put in another lackluster performance.
Louis van Gaal most likely has just one more match this Monday against a struggling, yet talented Chelsea side to get things right. Shockingly, van Gaal has led United to just two points out of a possible 15 points in the last five competitions.
Here are United’s player ratings for the game…
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3)
DAVID DE GEA 6
The match could have been a lot worse if he hadn’t made some good stops throughout the match. Although he let past two, both goals were certainly not his fault.
ASHLEY YOUNG 7
One of the lone bright spots on the day, as he tackled and attacked better than the rest of the squad. Not bad defending and good challenges for a winger turned right back.
CHRIS SMALLING 5
Another below par performance for the England international, who looks to be plateauing the last few matches. Unsurprisingly, United’s poor defence and overall form seems to be linked with his drop in play.
PHIL JONES 6
Rated just ahead of Smalling because he did provide a little bit more in attack with a good ball in late in the match. However, has not been the partner Smalling needs in defence and may be ushered out once other defenders return from injury and replaced with Blind in the center of defence.
DALEY BLIND 5
Does not look all that comfortable as a left back and given the average to below average performances of Jones, he may be look to slide over and partner Smalling moving forward.
MICHAEL CARRICK 5
Made captain today as Wayne Rooney was sat in the first half, but the veteran offered next to nothing to get his side going. Did not protect the back four that well and once Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger return, Carrick should find himself back on the bench.
ANDER HERRERA 6
A tale of two half’s for the Spaniard. Seemed like the only one on the pitch in the first half that was looking to drive the team forward, striking the ball well. His play dipped in the second half as he was substituted, but not before some questionable passes.
JUAN MATA 5
United can always count on Mata to play a lovely ball in at least one a game, but offered not much else, which seems to be the norm as of late. Another anonymous outing for the playmaker.
MAROUANE FELLAINI 5
Made some strong tackles in the center of the park, however, did not offer much going forward. He had the best chance of the match when he was presented a lovely set up from Rooney, but the big Belgian shot it straight at the keeper.
MEMPHIS DEPAY 2
Quite simply atrocious display from the much maligned Dutchman. His bad mistake led to the opening goal of the match. His ineffectiveness, lack of strength going forward, and costly errors caused him to be yanked for Rooney at half-time.
ANTHONY MARTIAL 4
He was simply not good enough leading the attack, and must do better when Rooney is sitting to show that he is indeed the future. His pace was there but lacked the knowledge and quality to scare the Stoke defence.
SUBSTITUTES
WAYNE ROONEY 6
Replaced the abysmal Memphis at half and United did look like a better side with him on the pitch. He, personally did not create problems for the Stoke defence, however, his hold up play and set up for Fellaini were both good.
ANDREAS PEREIRA 5
Came on very late or Herrera and gave the ball away on a few occasions and received a booking.
MANAGER: LOUIS VAN GAAL 5
Injuries and suspension hinder his selection, but the performances the last month or so look so bleak. Made the difficult choice to sit Rooney, however, had to call on him after a terrible first-half performance. His squad has no confidence and his reign as manager may be coming to an end soon.
