It proved to be another night to remember for Erik Ten Hag and his buoyant United side agains Reading. It was a confident 3-1 win against a low-blocking, hard-tackling championship side who may have been a banana skin in previous seasons. United are not that team any more. The Red Devils have found their groove.
Having mustered their 11th home win in a row and all but secured a place in the first domestic final of the year, the Carabao Cup, the mood around Old Trafford has not been this high in years.
The United Devils’ @SammyTeeUnited assesses the latest win against Reading that booked United into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
As you will see, there are lots of seven-out-of-tens. Sevens win you games. Wins win you trophies.
David De Gea – 6/10
This was not a two hours that will live long in the memory of the Spanish stalwart. He spent long portions of the game stood idle and getting wet through from the fine Manchester rain. Did venture out of his box on occasion to sweep. Unremarkable.
Aaron Wan Bissaka – 7/10
Got forward quite well, had a few touches in the opponent’s box but question marks remain if he can form a partnership with Antony on the right-hand side. Grew into the game in the second half and found himself in attacking positions often. Don’t rule him out of United just yet.
Harry Maguire – 6.5/10
Acted decisively when called into action despite coming up against gigantic and belligerent Andy Carroll. He brought the ball out of defence well but lacked the confidence to attempt a through ball or deep run. This improved in the second half. Will be annoyed he conceded from a set-piece goal.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
I was impressed with Lindelof against Reading. He won the majority of his duels with Carroll and commanded the left side of defence. Previous managers had him on the right despite him being far more two-footed than Maguire. Should leave Old Trafford with his head held high this evening.
Tyrell Malacia – 6.5/10
Didn’t have a brilliant first half- lacked the running intent that Rashford could have used as support or a decoy – he seemed more interested in defending than marauding, Shaw does both very well. It seems that he still doesn’t quite understand the role being asked of him.
Casemiro – 9/10
What else can be said about the Brazilian? He simply is United’s most important player; Erik Ten Hag’s dynamic glue that holds it all together. After opening United’s scoring with a lovely dink, Casemiro made clear his admiration for the pass from compatriot Antony, who has been given stick in the media in recent weeks. He oozes class from every pore and tonight was no exception. Scored a peach of a second to kill the tie for United. United have needed him for years.
Christian Eriksen – 7/10
Came off after a decent 55 or so minutes. Led the press on several occasions in the first half to great effect. Arguably should not have started given his stamina issues. Walked straight down the tunnel and will almost certainly miss the Forest game midweek.
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
His industry in midfield coupled with his creativity make him one of United’s key players. He was absolutely everywhere in the first half and earned his break at 68 minutes. It is what United fans have come to expect now from Fernandes – a tireless engine with a wand of a right foot.
Antony – 7.5+/10
Speaking of right feet…
What Antony would do to have a strong one of those. I jest. Though appearing quite wasteful in the first half – several of his runs were painfully predictable – Antony improved in the second half. His evening peaked with his lovely assist for Casemiro’s first. Improving.
Wout Weghorst – 7.5/10
The fact is, United are a better team now Wout Weghorst plays for them. What Martial has in effortless, silky skill, Weghorst has in brute power, determination, pitch-awareness and pressing intent. All of these traits and more came out tonight. His new manager is getting him ticking already. Thoroughly impressive evening.
Marcus Rashford – 7/10
By all accounts, Rashford was the first to welcome Weghorst into Carrington – that may just have been the start of a beautiful friendship. A partnership is certainly forming there. Rashford is dripping in flair and style whenever he puts on the red of Manchester United. His signature dinky runs were showcased and he was unlucky to have a monumental 10th straight Old Trafford goal ruled out for a questionable offside. Starman.
SUBS – Fred 7/10; Garnacho, Mainoo, Elanga, Pellistri N/A
