Player Ratings: Five star United make a big statement against Leeds

Manchester United vs Leeds United Match Summary

Ole’s Reds humbled Leeds on the opening day with a 5-1 win at Old Trafford. The day began well with Manchester United finally announcing that Raphael Varane has joined the club. What we did not expect is for the announcement to be on the Old Trafford pitch minutes before the match. Varane came on suited up and waving to the 75,000 Old Trafford faithful to lift the crowd ahead of a fantastic game of football.

United started brightly and after half an hour with Pogba clipping the ball to Fernandes who squeezed his shot past Meslier. Ayling equalised three minutes into the second half with a thunderbolt and raised Leeds’ hopes but they were cut short. Pogba bagged two assists in less than five minutes, one a superb long pass to Greenwood down the left and one to Fernandes on the right. Lindelof’s long pass met Fernandes’ run and Bruno completed his hattrick with a sumptuous hit. Pogba earned his fourth assist of the game cutting the ball back to Fred who his his fifth goal for the club and hit the fifth for United. Sancho came on for his debut and showed some signs of brilliance but came on when the game petered out.

A big statement made by Manchester United as they top the table for now at least. Fantastic football and excellent mentality and energy levels in the opening game. It is always crucial to get points and goals on the board early because you may not win the title in the first ten games but you can lose it. With a favourable run at the start of the season, United could get a good headstart on everyone else before a massive trip to Anfield in October. This is their chance. As for Leeds, I think they will dust themselves off and come again because that’s the way it was last season and I don’t see that changing.

Manchester United vs Leeds United Player Ratings

David de Gea 7/10

A relatively quiet day for de Gea. Made one decent save from a shot from Klich but nothing he could do for the equaliser. One moment of worry when Maguire was clearly waiting for de Gea to come off his line to clear the ball in the first half and de Gea did not, causing a problem for the skipper. This is one issue with de Gea being in goal and playing a high line. Something Henderson is much better at.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 8/10

A very good game. Defended well against Harrison and played out very well and looks very sharp after a good pre-season. He should be pushing the likes of Trippier, James and Alexander-Arnold for the England spots and if he can start well that will only help him.

Victor Lindelof 8.5/10

Some complained that Lindelof started while Varane was waiting to be officially announced but Lindelof was superb. Dealt with everything he had thrown at him and played some fantastic switches of play and bagged an assist with one of them. Great game and will be interesting to see what Solskjaer does now Varane is training with the squad.

Harry Maguire 8/10

Excellent game. Played out well and picked up where he left off before his injury.

Luke Shaw 8/10

Made some great runs and looks really fit and raring to go for the season. Silly yellow but not the end of the world.

Scott McTominay 8.5/10

Really dominant in midfield. Drove through Leeds at times and crucial in the build-up to a few of the goals. Came off as he has barely had a pre-season but still had that much energy. So, so impressive.

Fred 9/10

Of course many complained about McFred’s inclusion but they more than proved their worth today. Wonderful energy, passing and intensity. Even chipped in with a goal on the counter.

Bruno Fernandes 10/10

Magnifico hattrick! He saved it for the fans to see but a world class performance from Fernandes and three smart finishes.

Daniel James 8/10

Again many complaints about James’ inclusion but fully demonstrated his importance in this game. Excellent energy and drive down the right. Had a couple of chances but couldn’t take them.

Paul Pogba 10/10

Absolutely unstoppable. Four wonderful assists and a dominant attacking display. Yes he may have been guilty of not tracking Ayling for the equaliser and could have bagged a goal himself but it doesn’t matter one bit. World class performance.

Mason Greenwood 9/10

Greenwood had a big challenge. Play down the middle with two others breathing down his neck but he performed excellently. Involved in almost every attack as he went deep and played forward and returned United’s lead with a great run and a world class finish. He is some player.

Subs

Nemanja Matic 6.5/10

Came on and added composure and stability.

Anthony Martial 6.5/10

Looked quite sharp and ready for the new season. Good linkup at times.

Jadon Sancho 6.5/10

May need a couple more training sessions with the team but looked sharp and lively. Can’t wait to see him start!

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 9/10

Did everything right on the opening day. Put out the team that can outdo Leeds’ energy levels and ruin them on the counter. McFred, James, Pogba on the wing, all excellent calls that worked brilliantly. How can you doubt him?

Man of the Match: Paul Pogba

Author: Arjun Handa

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