Man United ratings as Alexis Sanchez comes alive with a 9 in FA Cup semi-final victory

Chris Bailey 22:16 21/04/2018
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  • It was another poor start at Wembley but this time Manchester United rallied in superb style as Ander Herrera and a rejuvenated Alexis Sanchez delivered the goods in a 2-1 comeback victory over Tottenham that sends them into the FA Cup final.

    Sanchez delivered by far his best display in a United shirt yet – but there were positive performances right across the park.

    Read our Red Devils verdict in numbers below …

    STARTING XI (4-3-3)

    David De Gea – Virtual spectator for the goal, horrified spectator as Eric Dier’s shot deflected off Smalling’s backside and thudded off the bar. Remarkably, however, United won a match without needing him to don his Superman cape. 6

    Antonio Valencia – Meaty challenge on Dele Alli could have warranted more than a yellow card if the officials weren’t so keen on letting physical play go. Another silly tussle with Alli deep into second half could also have costed United. 5

    Chris Smalling – Played second fiddle to Jones but was a dependable deputy. Distribution still needs work, seven years and counting now … 7

    Phil Jones – The type of performance that, once upon a time, compelled Sir Bobby Charlton to compare him to the late Duncan Edwards. Silly hyperbole aside, a blood-and-guts effort to remind you why no United manager since Fergie has yet given up on him. 8

    Ashley Young – Caught way, way up the pitch when Eriksen bounded down the right to cross in for Alli. Gave ball away to Son Hyeung-min in dangerous position before nipping it away again. Up, down, but okay. 6

    Ander Herrera – Slow to warm up but added the physicality to midfield that has been missing – goodness knows why he fell so out of favour with Jose Mourinho earlier in the season. Not the prettiest goal he’ll score – one of the most vital though. 8

    Nemanja Matic – Spurs’ energy kept him at arm’s length at times but when he’s at close quarters, he’s the favourite to come away with the ball. Married this with his usual tidy work on the ball. 7

    Paul Pogba – The usual frustrating mix of brilliance and boneheaded-ness, though he gets an extra mark for the strength and beauty of a ball for Sanchez – unfortunately no other moment came close to this. Should have made more of an effort to close down Christian Eriksen before Alli’s goal. 7

    Jesse Lingard – On the periphery all game despite his usual willingness. Missed a headed chance that was a degree of difficulty easier than the one Sanchez scored. Did well to let ball run to Herrera for United’s winner, though. 5

    Romelu Lukaku – His often underappreciated build-up play was in full view here. Delicious cross for the Lingard chance, with his weak foot, and meshed well with Sanchez. A promising development. 7

    Alexis Sanchez – The goal – his eighth at Wembley – visibly swelled his chest as his old Arsenal magic burst into life. Tenacity down the left held off Kieran Trippier and led to the Herrera strike. If only he could play in north London every week. 9

    SUBSTITUTES

    Matteo Darmian – Mourinho had no choice but to send the out-of-favour full-back onto pitch late on, with Valencia on the verge of being sent off. N/A

    Marcus Rashford – On for the final 10 minutes and was unjustly booked for simulation when trying to hurdle Davinson Sanchez. N/A

    Marouane Fellaini – The bit-part in Sanchez’s standing ovation. N/A

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