Man United see both sides of Paul Pogba in player ratings from dispiriting Wolves draw

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  • Manchester United’s three-match winning run in all competitions came to an end upon their return to Old Trafford on Saturday after Joao Moutinho fired in a deserved leveller during Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-1 draw.

    Brazil midfielder Fred expertly fired into the bottom corner for his first Red Devils goal on 18 minutes. France superstar Paul Pogba delivered a cute one-touch assist.

    This came against the run of play and the promoted visitors got their reward soon after the interval when Portugal veteran Moutinho shot high into Spain No1 David De Gea’s goal. This counter-attack came from a soft concession by Pogba on the halfway line.

    Here are the Red Devils player ratings from their 1-1 Premier League draw:

    MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3)

    David De Gea – 7: Produced two wonderful low saves early in the first half to deny Mexico striker Raul Jimenez and French centre-back Willy Boly. Could get nowhere near Moutinho’s rocket into the roof of the goal.

    Antonio Valencia – 5: His days as United’s first-choice right-back appear close to an end. Could generate none of the dynamism of old, or replicate that of understudy Diogo Dalot on debut in midweek.

    Chris Smalling – 5: The physicality of Jimenez unsettled the England outcast throughout. The same applied for emerging Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves for the equaliser.

    Victor Lindelof – 6: Sweden centre-back’s pace made more of an imprint on Jimenez than his partner.

    Luke Shaw – 5: A rare backwards step in a season of progress. Could not keep a lid on Portuguese winger Helder Costa, none more so than for the equaliser.

    Fred – 7: This was better from the Brazil centre midfielder. Got on a wavelength with Pogba for the opener, where his low shot proved unstoppable. Tired and was replaced after the hour mark. Only glaring is fact a pass accuracy of 94.6 per cent contained no key passes.

    Marouane Fellaini – 6: Did a passable impression of the suspended Nemanja Matic. But for the second top-flight game running, United conceded from the edge of their penalty box.

    Paul Pogba – 7: All he play run through Pogba and he seems to be relishing the freedom afforded. Smart feet earned Fred’s goal. Did lose the ball cheaply in build-up to Wolves’ goal, but this is the price you can pay by fielding him.

    Jesse Lingard – 4: An invisible performance and did well to survive under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho’s double substitution. No key passes, one attempt on target and one off target.

    Romelu Lukaku – 5: Left too isolated, yet again. Offside flag spared blushes when he headed wide with the whole goal to aim at from Pogba’s second-half cross.

    Alexis Sanchez – 4: Made the joint-most key passes with two and was not dispossessed. But this was another game that passed the Chile superstar by.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Juan Mata – 5: Did little to alter the course of the match during his first Premier League appearance since August 19’s 3-2 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion.

    Anthony Martial – 6: France forward appears to be back in Mourinho’s good books.

    Andreas Perreira – 6: New Brazil midfielder showcased some smart footwork.

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