It was another lifeless display from the England striker and another humbling day for the Red Devils at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s previous performances hinted at yet another humiliating derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, and that was what they got. This was not quite on the scale of the 6-1 thrashing in 2011 or last season’s 6-3 hammering at the Etihad Stadium, but it was equally as disheartening.
United were outclassed by City in every department, especially attack, where they had no response. And Marcus Rashford had his latest torrid performance, creating hardly any danger and missing a clear opportunity in the second half with the goal gaping.
His strike partner, Rasmus Hojlund, was much more lively, but it was the Dane’s foul which led to Erling Haaland giving City the lead from the penalty spot (after a somewhat harsh VAR intervention) and he failed to make the most of the few openings he had.
A bullet header from Haaland and a tap-in for Phil Foden completed a miserable afternoon for the Red Devils, and the gap between them and their local rivals has never been bigger.
GOAL rates Manchester United’s players from Old Trafford…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (8/10):
Made some fine saves from Grealish and Haaland, including one leap across his line to deny the striker. Little he could do about the goals.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
His defensive frailties were exposed by Grealish and he rarely got forward.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
A solid performance overall. Made two big clearances and did not allow himself to be overrun.
Jonny Evans (5/10):
From an individual point of view he was OK, but the fact United chose him to deal with Haaland says it all.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
A surprise pick at left-back over Reguilon and didn’t justify it.
Midfield
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
His long passes were United’s only hope of creating danger, but he couldn’t perform his defensive duties properly.
Sofyan Amrabat (5/10):
Couldn’t keep up with Bernardo and got a booking for tangling with Foden. Hooked at half-time for Mount.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Couldn’t influence the game and must take responsibility for the midfield getting overwhelmed.
Attack
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Had two attempts on goal but too lightweight and couldn’t help United loosen City’s grip on midfield.
Rasmus Hojlund (6/10):
His overall play was good and he was always on the hunt for slip in the defence. But showed a lack of experience at both ends, giving away the penalty for tangling with Rodri and staying on his feet when he could have gone over from contact by Stones.
Marcus Rashford (3/10):
Had no link-up play of note and when he got one good chance to score he scuffed it wide. Another terrible performance from last season’s talisman.
Subs & Manager
Mason Mount (5/10):
Had 45 minutes to make an impact and couldn’t come close.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Showed some urgency but no end product.
Sergio Reguilon (5/10):
The game was a lost cause when he came on and there was little he could do change it.
Antony (N/A):
Only came on in the 86th minute and still managed a booking.
Antony Martial (N/A):
Only came on in the 86th minute.
Erik ten Hag (5/10):
His line-up was too defensive and this was a predictably torrid performance from his team. Yet again.