Manchester United recovered from a 2-1 deficit to beat Turkish side Galatasaray 5-2 in the Red Devil’s final pre-season tour game of 2016.
The game will undoubtedly be remembered for new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s screamer just four minutes into the contest. His outrageous scissor kick managed to quieten his critics for now. However, Manchester United’s lead was short lived as Galatasaray hit two quick goals to take a shock lead.
Wayne Rooney, who played just off Ibrahimovic, got himself among the goals as he netted twice to put United 3-2 up. Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini added another two late to complete a 5-2 routing of the Turkish side.
The Hard Tackle analyses the Manchester United players who took the field on Saturday:
David de Gea: 5
Let in two goals and wasn’t too convincing with his clearances. Not a memorable outing for the Spanish number one.
Antonio Valencia: 9
The Ecuadorian registered a hat-trick of assists as he executed his right-back role to inch perfection. Mourinho’s system saw the full-backs push forward to add depth and the 30-year-old played in some majestic crosses for Ibrahimovic and Rooney.
Eric Bailly: 6
Was an improved performance compared to his previous game against Dortmund. That being said, the new signing is still raw and it would take him at least a couple of games more to get used to the system.
Daley Blind: 4
A below-average performance from last season’s defensive mainstay. He may struggle to find a starting berth if he continues to put in similar performances.
Luke Shaw: 6
Looked comfortable throughout the game and is almost ready to play 90 minutes at a stretch.
Morgan Schneiderlin: 5
The Frenchman failed to hold the strings in midfield and also dispossessed a few passes.
Ander Herrera: 5
Much like Schneiderlin, the Spaniard went unnoticed in the first half. Was subbed off for Fellaini at the break.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 5.5
Provided a bit of a threat every now and then, but did not do too much to worry the Galatasaray defenders.
Wayne Rooney: 7.5
Scored two goals, but often looked off the pace playing behind the striker. Not an ideal performance by the Manchester United captain
Anthony Martial: 7
Looked impressive on the left flank for United and offered decent support to Ibrahimovic inside the box
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 7.5
The Swede could not have asked for a better start. Scoring within the first five minutes of a game is always special, and more so when it’s on your club debut. Impressive display.
Substitutes (Top 3)
Marouane Fellaini: 7
Was brought on as an impact sub by Mourinho and did was expected of him. The Belgian also grabbed a goal for himself, rounding off a decent display.
Juan Mata: 6.5
Another solid display backed by a goal for the United midfielder. The Spaniard has been one of the better players on Manchester United’s pre-season tour
Marcus Rashford: 6
Put in a tireless shift after he came on for Ibrahimovic. His blistering pace and intricate dribbles saw him win a penalty in the second half.
