Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez scored in the first half, as Manchester United beat Swansea City 2-0 on Saturday.
Manchester United resumed their Premier League campaign after the international break with a comfortable 2-0 win over Swansea City at the Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were off to a rampaging start that saw Romelu Lukaku open the scoring as early as the fifth minute, to reach his 100th Premier League. January signing Alexis Sanchez then doubled Manchester United’s lead slotting home neatly past Lukasz Fabianski after being sent through by Jesse Lingard.
Swansea City threatened after the break, with substitute Tammy Abraham coming close to breach the United goal on two occasions, but was denied by David De Gea’s brilliance as Manchester United managed to see out the game and come away with three points.
Goal ✅
Assist ✅#MUFC Man of the Match ✅? @Alexis_Sanchez pic.twitter.com/596H0SL007
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 31, 2018
Here’s how the Manchester United players fared on the day against Carlos Carvalhal’s side;
David De Gea: 7.5/10
The Spaniard was a spectator for most parts of the game, until he was called into action in the second-half when he produced two brilliant stops to deny Abraham in quick succession. It was his 16th clean sheet in the Premier League this season.
Antonio Valencia: 6/10
The club captain was a decent outlet going forward but his end product wasn’t always the best. Made one crucial clearing header in the second half. Not at his best, but an improved performance compared to recent games.
Chris Smalling: 6/10
The English defender did not have a whole lot to do in the game, with Swansea not really threatening apart from the two chances that came Abraham’s way. Held things together well at the back.
Victor Lindelof: 7/10
Set the tone with a crunching challenge on Sam Clucas in the first period. Was up for the physical battle and produced some key blocks and interceptions throughout and his passing too was crisp. Without a doubt, the Swede’s most assured performance since his summer move.
When Lindelöf has started for Manchester United in the Premier League this season:
10 games
9 goals conceded
7 wins
3 draws
0 defeatsThe Unbeaten Swede. ?????? pic.twitter.com/DoC7KmOeE2
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 31, 2018
Ashley Young: 6.5/10
The veteran Englishman was always on the prowl to get forward and was involved a great number of attacking moves for Manchester United in the game. Continued to repay the faith the manager places in him with another effective display.
Paul Pogba: 7.5/10
The Frenchman was handed a start by the manager after not featuring from the kick-off in the last two games and he did not disappoint.
Showed a good balance between caution and aggression. Attacked with purpose, sprayed some delectable passes while showing responsibility in the middle. The best he has looked in quite a long time in United colours.
Nemanja Matic: 7/10
The Serbian powerhouse continued to do what he does best, breaking play up, recycling possession and starting off moves from the midfield. Was the ideal foil for Pogba on Saturday and showed how important he is to this side with another accomplished display.
Juan Mata: 7/10
The Spaniard may not have scored a goal or assisted one but was one of the brightest United players in the early stages. Buzzed around in the attacking third of the pitch, with his inward movement causing plenty of problems to the Swans’ backline.
Kept things ticking throughout, but was guilty of spurning a great chance in the second period, when he volleyed over the bar from less than five yards.
Jesse Lingard's game by numbers vs. Swansea:
100% tackles won
68 touches
49 passes
4 shots
3 tackles
2 take-ons
1 chance createdGreat form continues. ? pic.twitter.com/GD1noHbilC
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 31, 2018
Jesse Lingard: 8/10
Entrusted with the No.10 role, Manchester United’s academy graduate was involved in everything positive that the team conjured up in the first period. Was involved in the build-up for the first goal and got the assist for the second, with a neat pass to Sanchez.
Had a couple of shots at goal from distance that did not threaten Fabianski. Exploited the spaces brilliantly and was a threat throughout the game.
Alexis Sanchez: 8/10
The January signing’s best display in a Manchester United shirt. Started off brightly and got the assist for Lukaku’s opener. Scored his second goal for his new club with a brilliant finish soon after, which will have done his confidence a world of good.
Had a few more chances to add to his tally. Showed good fight and determination to track back and help when needed. Was taken off to a loud applause. After a slow start to life at Old Trafford, Alexis will be hoping this performance proves to be the game-changer.
Romelu Lukaku: 7/10
Reached a personal milestone when he netted the first goal via a deflection to score his 100th Premier League goal, becoming the 28th player on the exclusive list. Had a couple of efforts saved by Fabianski on either side of half-time but his all-round play was once again top-notch.
Welcome to the #PL ? club, @RomeluLukaku9! ?#MUNSWA @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/fJRg4tvzLD
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 31, 2018
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford: 5/10
Replaced Alexis with 15 minutes left to play. One good run down the left-flank aside, did little of note.
Ander Herrera: 5/10
Fit again, the Spanish midfielder came on for Lingard in the 76th minute. Showed signs of rust but Mourinho will be happy to have him back playing again.
Scott McTominay: N/A
Came on for Mata in injury time.
