None of Jose Mourinho’s star players rose to the occasion as Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by bottom feeders West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
Manchester United were handed a shock 1-0 defeat by relegation bound West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday. Coming into the game on the back of a stunning 3-2 derby triumph against Manchester City last week, Jose Mourinho’s men failed to carry the momentum forward against the Baggies, who had won just three games in the entire season so far.
And a Jay Rodriguez headed effort in the 73rd minute proved to be enough for the Midlands outfit to cause a major upset and take away all the three points from the game against United.
The result also confirmed Manchester City as the Premier League champions, with Pep Guardiola’s Citizens now 16 points clear of the Red Devils heading into the final five matches of the 2017/18 campaign.
FT: #MUFC 0 West Brom 1. pic.twitter.com/kT4XslWF34
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 15, 2018
Here’s how we rated the performances of the Manchester United stars on a disappointing day;
David De Gea: 6/10
The Spaniard made a sensational stop down to his left, to deny Jake Livermore in the first period and followed it up with a couple more routine saves. Not a lot he could do about the goal after a defensive lapse from his teammates.
Antonio Valencia: 5/10
The Manchester United captain had little defending to do throughout the game, which he did well, dealing with James McClean comfortably. But, Valencia was once again found lacking in his forward play. Too one dimensional at times, the end product was nowhere near the desired quality.
Victor Lindelof: 6/10
The Swedish centre-half was handed a start ahead of Eric Bailly and apart from one nervy moment when he was pressed quickly, the summer signing was a steady presence at the back. Defended solidly, but perhaps could have been a little more adventurous with his usage of the ball and distribution from the back.
Chris Smalling: 6/10
The England international came out on top against the physical Salomon Rondon with relative ease. Looked alert to the threat each time the Baggies committed people forward. Should have done better with a headed effort late on in the game.
Ashley Young: 5/10
Much like Valencia on the other flank, the veteran Englishman had little to worry about on the defensive side of things which allowed him the license to get forward on the left-hand side. However, he failed to make the most of it as he looked too ponderous at times.
Ander Herrera: 5/10
Making his second start in a row after his display in the win over City last week, the Spanish midfielder should have won a penalty in the first period after being felled by Craig Dawson. Apart from that one moment, Herrera made very little contributions of note. His passing was a letdown on occasions as well and was subbed off at half-time.
Nemanja Matic: 5/10
Played the most number of passes in the game, but wasn’t his usual effective self at the base of the midfield giving away the ball on quite a number of occasions. Improved as the game wore on, but was at fault for the goal, with his poor header inadvertently ending up as an assist for Rodriguez.
Paul Pogba: 4/10
After a stellar outing in the derby win against Manchester City, a lot was expected from United’s French midfield metronome. But, Pogba was once again letdown in a big way. Was a pale shadow of himself from last week as he struggled to drive the Red Devils forward from the middle. Booked for an attempt to divert the ball into the net using his hands. Withdrawn before the hour mark.
Juan Mata: 5/10
The diminutive Spanish playmaker was off to a bright start as he tried to open up the Baggies’ defence with clever movement and passing. But, Mata faded and became more and more of a peripheral figure, as the game wore on and in the end, had very little impact on the proceedings
Romelu Lukaku: 5/10
The Belgian international forced Ben Foster into a superb save although he should have been more precise with his finishing. Let down by his touch on a number of occasions, but no faulting him for the hard work and the effort he put in at the top. Culpable for the goal, however, as he lost Rodriguez.
Alexis Sanchez: 5/10
Energetic and full of intent, the Chilean huffed and puffed throughout the game, but to very little effect. Struggled to get into decent positions more often than not and was, at times, a little too casual with the ball at his feet. Sanchez cutting in from the left-side deprived United of any natural width going forward.
Substitutes
Jesse Lingard: 6/10
Replaced Herrera at half-time and added more energy and impetus to the team going forward. Could not convert from a decent chance, though.
Anthony Martial: 6/10
Looked dangerous after coming on to replace Pogba in the second period, but couldn’t find a way through the robust Baggies defence.
Marcus Rashford: N/A
Replaced Young for the final 15 minutes. Made little impact after coming on.
