For the second week in a row, Manchester United has a very lucky win under its belt. Everton deserved a point from this game, and played very well in the second half. Manchester United will need to improve their play significantly to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City; whom they will play soon. Injuries-notwithstanding, it is indicative of how fractured United are when you take a look at the disparity in the ratings of individual players. Everton will need to find a way to deal with European excursions to regain a foothold in the top half of the table.

 

Manchester United

David De Gea – The Spaniard has come a long way since his early days in a United shirt. De Gea was the Man of the Match, after saving a penalty and making two incredible saves at the end of the game. 10/10

Rafael da Silva – Good defensive performance from the Brazilian. He was involved in some attacking play in the first half. 7/10

Paddy McNair – The young defender had an excellent first half. Made some small positional errors, but this game will fill him with confidence. 7/10

Marcos Rojo – Solid. Did not set a foot wrong. 8/10

Luke Shaw – Was better going forward – had a couple of good crosses for Falcao. However, the young Englishman will need to improve his defending. Was guilty of giving up a penalty, and letting Naismith get goal side of him for Everton’s goal. 4/10

Daley Blind  – Kept play ticking along. Blind’s positional awareness will please Van Gaal. The midfielder made some crucial interceptions, particularly from Barry. 7/10

Antonio Valencia – The Ecuadorian came into the team to replace the injured Herrera. Used his energy to press the Everton midfield, but produced nothing going forward. 6/10

Angel DiMaria – Was involved in every single United attack. It is fair to say that this United team does not function without him. An excellent goal off his non-dominant foot, and a lucky assist, combined with some inch-perfect crosses, meant that the Argentine was the best outfield player on the pitch. 10/10

Juan Mata – Coming in for the suspended Wayne Rooney, the Spaniard will be disappointed with his overall performance. Despite his assist, Mata was poor over the other 89 minutes, and deserves no more than a 5/10

Radamel Falcao – The Colombian finally scored his first goal for United; a true poacher’s finish as he latched onto Di Maria’s scuffed shot. Also responsible for a goal-line clearance. However, he will need to improve his build up play and overall impact. 6/10

Robin Van Persie – Another poor performance by the Dutchman. Inexplicably getting called offside when Di Maria was through on goal, interim captain Van Persie will need to improve his play significantly in the coming weeks. 6/10

Subs

Tyler Blackett – On for Shaw – Some good passes and sturdy at left back. Crucial block in injury time. 8/10

James Wilson – On for Falcao – Did not impact the game enough. 5/10

Marouane Fellaini – On for Valencia – Did not impact the game enough. 5/10

 

Everton (4-2-3-1)

Tim Howard – In the first half, the American made a fantastic save from Di Maria’s free kick. Had less to do than his United counterpart. Will be disappointed with his clearance that set the chain of events leading to Falcao’s goal. A silly altercation with Van Persie led to a yellow card for him. 7/10

Tony Hibbert – Was tasked with the impossible job of shackling Di Maria. However, was an important outlet going forward, especially when he won a penalty in the dying minutes of the 1st half. Subbed off at 77’. 6/10

John Stones – Was the standout defender for the Everton side. The young Englishman managed to shackle Falcao for all but one minute of the game. 7/10

Phil Jagielka – Guilty for not tracking Falcao’s run for United’s 2nd goal. Had trouble dealing with Di Maria’s crosses to the back post. 5/10

Leighton Baines – The English left back had a mixed game. While he produced an excellently delivered assist and managed to negate Valencia’s forward play, he was also guilty of playing Falcao onside for the Colombian’s goal and he also missed a penalty. 5/10

Gareth Barry – The cultured holding midfielder controlled Everton’s play. While he was occasionally found wanting for pace, his awareness was key in patrolling the space between Mata and the two forwards. 8/10

Muhamed Besic – Made a crucial interception in the 2nd half when Di Maria laid the ball off to Mata, for what would have been a tap-in. 7/10

Aiden McGeady – Started getting more involved in 2nd half, but was not at his creative best. Some neat touches around the boxes, but not enough end product. Subbed off at 77’. 6/10

Steven Naismith – Naismith continued his excellent start to the season with a brave header to tie the game. Was a constant threat once he was switched to an advanced position in the 2nd half. 8/10

Steven Pienaar – Mostly involved in defensive areas, did not influence the game enough. Pienaar has excelled in previous games against United, this was not one of those. 5/10

Romelu Lukaku – Poor performance from Belgian striker. Did not get involved in the play enough, and was wasteful with half-chances. Lukaku has troubled United before, but will be disappointed at not having produced enough against a makeshift back line. 5/10

Subs

Bryan Oviedo (Pienaar) – Did not impact the game enough. 5/10

Leon Osman (McGeady) – Will be disappointed at seeing two very good strikes on goal saved by De Gea. 8/10

Tyias Browning (Pienaar) – Did not impact the game enough. 5/10