Kristiansund BK vs Manchester United – Player Ratings

Photo by the Samford Crimson

Manchester United recorded their fifth victory in as many pre-season games on Tuesday, this time narrowly defeating Norwegian side, Kristiansund, 1-0. In a special evening for the United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who got to manage the Reds against his boyhood club, United impressed by dominating the game and creating plenty of chances, but just struggling to put them away. A late winner from the spot converted by Juan Mata kept the Reds undefeated in pre-season.

Here are the player ratings:

De Gea – 6
Another uneventful game for the Spaniard in between the sticks. His form is yet to be tested this pre-season.

Wan-Bissaka – 8 
United’s brand new right back has taken this pre-season by storm, adding another solid game to his record. Assured while defending and adventurous going forward.

Jones – 7 
Similarly to De Gea, there wasn’t much to do for Jones on the defensive side of the ball, but he did get involved quite a bit in United’s search for an opener in the first half.

Lindelof – 7
Didn’t get forward as much as his centre back partner, but impressed with his coolness on the ball as always.

Shaw – 6
Luke didn’t get forward half as much as Wan-Bissaka, which he probably should have in a game like this in order to try and help the team find the opener. A little too passive on the attacking end.

Matic – 5
In a game where United were in complete control, the experienced Serb still managed to make a few simple mistakes that put the team in danger, and was outshone by his midfield partner, McTominay.

McTominay – 8
The Scot seemed to be everywhere in the first half, winning the ball back in the middle and coming the closest to opening the scoreline for United up front. A very impressive game, and another good case made for getting the start next weekend against Chelsea.

James – 7 
As impressive as always when it comes to the constant high pressing and getting the ball moving forward, but just a little too sloppy with his final product. But another decent game from the new signing.

Lingard – 7
Had some bright sparks and was trying to be the creative spark playing in that No. 10 role for United in the first half. While some of his passes didn’t quite come off, it wasn’t a bad game for Jesse.

Martial – 7
The Frenchman looked the most impressive yet again while playing in the No. 9 role. It seems like he is really growing into that position and providing a lot of danger and giving United plenty of options with his movement.

Rashford – 7
Came close a few times and generally had a very good performance. He is also looking very good physically ahead of what is going to be a huge season for United’s no. 10.

Subs

Romero – 6
Same as De Gea, the Argentine did not have to make a save.

Dalot – 7 
United’s back up right back was looking bright when he came on, doing what he does best which is taking on his man down the right flank. He will provide a very good option for United going forward if they ever need to make that kind of an offensive substitute, or even start him during the season.

Tuanzebe – 7
Calm beyond his years, Axel never looks to be in any sort of trouble when he is on the ball. He also looks very comfortable distributing the ball out from the back which is huge.

Rojo – 6
He would have gotten the same rating as Axel as he looked quite comfortable defending, but like Matic, he managed to unnecessarily give the ball away on a few occasions, which could see United get punished against better teams.

Young – 7
It feels odd saying it, but United’s second half captain has looked better than Shaw at times down the left-hand side. He certainly provides a bigger attacking threat which is something Shaw desperately needs to work on.

A. Pereira – 7
Another solid pre-season for the Brazilian midfielder. He looks very comfortable on the ball in the final third, and is providing a threat with his balls in from set-pieces.

Pogba – 8
Game changer. His presence on the pitch just elevates United to another level, regardless of opposition. He came close a few times himself before finding Mata with a phenomenal pass which led to the Spaniard winning the late penalty.

Fred – 7
Brought some well needed energy and a creative spark when he came on, while also coming close to finding the winner himself with a shot from distance. Some good minutes in the tank for the Brazilian.

Mata – 8
Did very well with some crafty touches during United’s build up play in search of the winner, before cleverly winning a penalty after being slotted in by Pogba. He also calmly converted from the spot. Mata could quietly play a big role for United this season operating in the middle.

Chong – 8
The young Dutchman has really grown into this pre-season tour. Ever since the shaky game against Perth, Chong has looked more dangerous every time he’s set foot on the pitch. He troubled the Kristiansund keeper on numerous occasions after coming on, and was a constant threat down the left-hand side.

Greenwood – 7
A bit of a quiet one this one for the 17-year-old, but for his age, he is extremely dangerous in and around the box, providing a constant threat. He also did have a couple of half chances with which he came close.

Author: TUD Author