Anthony Martial struggled yet again as Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham at Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named an entirely new starting XI to the one that took the field at the weekend. And the lack of cohesion showed as West Ham started very strongly and the made most of it, with Manuel Lanzini putting them in front just nine minutes in after some fine work by Ryan Fredericks on the right.
Manchester United tried to mount a fightback and had a clear penalty shout turned down after Mark Noble appeared to tug at Jesse Lingard in the box. The former West Ham loanee was in the thick of things again soon after as he drew a couple of saves from Alphonse Areola while Juan Mata and Alex Telles also came close.
Solskjaer’s side continued to push for an equaliser after the break but one was not forthcoming as substitute Mason Greenwood was denied in a 1v1, while talisman Bruno Fernandes also could not spark a comeback, condemning the Red Devils to a shock third-round exit from the Carabao Cup. Here are our player ratings from a disappointing outing at Old Trafford for Manchester United.
Dean Henderson: 6.5/10
Making his first appearance of the season, Henderson could not have done much to stop Lanzini’s goal early in the game. Wasn’t tested much thereafter but did make a couple of crucial stops late on to keep United’s hopes of a comeback alive.
Diogo Dalot: 6/10
In the side ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Portuguese displayed some positive signs with his attacking intent on the right flank. Not troubled a great deal defensively, but needs to polish his end product if he is to challenge for a regular starting berth.
Eric Bailly: 6/10
Another player featuring for the first time this season, the Ivory Coast international was largely assured apart from a couple of rash moments, which have become the norm with him. Put under pressure late on, though.
Victor Lindelof: 6/10
Having fallen behind new signing Raphael Varane in the pecking order, Lindelof needed a strong performance here to reclaim his spot. However, that was not to be. While he did show strength in his duels and used the ball well, the Swede did not always look comfortable alongside Bailly.
Alex Telles: 5/10
Yet another Manchester United star making his first appearance of the season, it looked like Telles was not 100% and was rushed back into action as Fredericks left him dead in the tracks leading to the opening goal. Came close at the other end and did deliver some threatening crosses but scratchy overall.
Donny van de Beek: 6/10
Donny van de Beek completed 91% of his passes and created 1 chance in the first half vs. West Ham.
What have you made of his performance so far? ? pic.twitter.com/Ssq1AB6zAK
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 22, 2021
A rare start for the Dutchman and one in which he made a positive impression, even if he was unable to impact the outcome of the game as he would have liked. Was positive with his usage of the ball, making neat, forward passes while he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty with the defensive work. Did well to create a chance for Greenwood which wasn’t taken.
Nemanja Matic: 5.5/10
Captaining the team on the night, the veteran Serb had a decent first period as he ventured on some driving forward runs, one of which almost led to a goal. Grew visibly tired as the game wore on though, while his distribution wasn’t always on point.
Jadon Sancho: 5.5/10
Still not clicking for the England international at Manchester United. There were some positive moments with the ball at his feet on either side of half-time, but largely cut an uninspiring figure on the pitch. Needed to be more proactive.
Juan Mata: 6.5/10
Juan Mata created 3 chances vs. West Ham, more than any other player managed in the 62 minutes he played.
Came the closest to scoring too. ?? pic.twitter.com/5sEYqBm9Zo
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 22, 2021
A rare start for the veteran playmaker and he looked a class above the rest when it came to his passing and vision. Almost equalised in the first half with his effort being tipped onto the crossbar. Still has plenty left to offer if used the right way.
Jesse Lingard: 6/10
Manchester United’s hero in the last game, Lingard looked up for it again in his first start of the season. Should have been awarded a penalty after being pulled by Mark Noble while he also saw a couple of efforts saved by Areola. Faded drastically after the half-time break.
Anthony Martial: 4/10
Amid reports that Manchester United are ready to offload him in the near future, Martial did his chances of saving his career at the club no favour with yet another dull and ineffective showing. Hardly offered any meaningful threat in the final third and it is hard to see him get ahead of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood on this kind of form.
It was last chance saloon time for Martial at Man United this season, and I think that’s it for him.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) September 22, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Mason Greenwood: 6/10
On for Mata just after the hour mark. Almost scored immediately after he came on, but couldn’t get the better of Areola in a 1v1 situation.
Bruno Fernandes: 6/10
Replaced Lingard in the 72nd minute as United grew desperate. Involved in a lot of things that the team created late on but was unable to inspire a comeback.
Anthony Elanga: 5/10
Sent on in place of Telles as Solskjaer pushed for a goal. Unable to make much of an impact, however.
