Player ratings as Manchester United beat the Terriers in FA Cup with Lukaku and Mata top of the class

Matt Jones - Editor 00:29 18/02/2018
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  • Romelu Lukaku bagged a brace as Manchester United beat Huddersfield 2-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but Jose Mourinho’s side had to claw their way to victory against the dogged Terriers.

    And Lukaku was let off the leash as the Red Devils roared into the last eight with a second 2-0 win over David Wagner’s side in two weeks after the Premier League encounter on February 3.

    The burly Belgium forward raced onto Juan Mata’s through pass and showed power and poise to sweep in the opener after just three minutes, while Mata saw a goal bizarrely chalked off on the brink of half-time by a controversial VAR decision.

    Alexis Sanchez teed up Lukaku in the second half for another run in on goal as he finished with aplomb for the second time, with the determined Terriers simply unable to trouble United stopper Sergio Romero.

    Here, we rate the United side after their 2-0 win.

    STARTING XI

    Sergio Romero 6 – Most understudies are prone to nerves and errors but the Argentine has rarely put a foot or glove wrong when stepping in for David De Gea. And even though United’s defence was under pressure, he had a fairly quiet evening.

    Ashley Young 6 – Switched to right-back with Antonio Valencia rested and as usual he didn’t let his side down. Was unfortunate not to add an assist to his diligent defensive work as Mata’s goal was questionably ruled out.

    Victor Lindelof 7 – Has strangely not been involved of late despite coming into form around Christmas time. A lot of long balls came his way but he dealt with the home side’s physical threats well as United halted Huddersfield’s attacks.

    Chris Smalling 6 – Has been made the scapegoat for United’s 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park and you might have expected him to be left out here. But Jose Mourinho thrust him back into the spotlight and the England man put in an accomplished performance.

    Luke Shaw 7 – For a man whose Old Trafford career appeared over a matter of months ago, Shaw continues to look something approaching the player who United first signed from Southampton. Looks lean and fit and bombed forward to get involved in attacks.

    Scott McTominay 6 – Continues to grow in stature with every game he features in. Was on the receiving end of some crude tackles in the league game at the start of the month and maybe had that in the back of his head here as he played with a brash physicality.

    Michael Carrick 6 – The anchorman is retiring in the summer and how United will miss his metronomic passing. Not a flashy player but does the simple things so well. Although he hasn’t had much part to play this season, Mourinho must be keenly looking for a replacement.

    Nemanja Matic 6 – Has looked tired of late so it was again a surprise he wasn’t rested, but he’s been a welcome addition to the United ranks. Pushed further forward as Carrick sat deeper and was able to break up Huddersfield attacks and help launch United counters.

    Juan Mata 8 – Has had his detractors this season but was busy and nimble in attack, releasing Lukaku early on to give United the advantage and should have had a goal to show for his efforts. Was the fulcrum of everything good in attack for his side and put in a real shift.

    Romelu Lukaku 8 – Put his side in front in fine fashion, latching onto Mata’s insightful through ball before stopping, turning his defender powerfully and finishing calmly on his weaker right foot. His second finish was similarly calm and composed, something we’ve not seen much of this year.

    Alexis Sanchez 7 – Lively throughout but was shackled somewhat in a first half dominated by the hosts. He really came to life in the second half as the game opened up and the hosts tired. Helped killed the game with an assist for Lukaku’s second.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Anthony Martial 6 – On for Sanchez with 15 minutes to go to help further weaken the tiring Terriers.

    Jesse Lingard N/A – Came on inside the final 10 minutes with little time to affect the game.

    Eric Bailly N/A – Was brought on in the last minute for Lukaku but his return is encouraging.

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