Man United's Anthony Martial puts on a masterclass, but Sergio Romero has mixed night

Matt Jones - Editor 01:34 26/09/2018
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  • Derby County beat Man United in the 2018/19 Carabao Cup.

    Manchester United made an embarrassing exit at the first stage of the League Cup as Derby County beat Jose Mourinho’s 10 men 8-7 in a thrilling penalty shootout.

    It was a brilliant spectacle in the 90 minutes that preceded spot kicks, with United opening the scoring in scintillating style through Juan Mata. But Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson’s rocket of a free-kick made it 1-1 and Frank Lampard’s side looked to be heading through when Sergio Romero was red-carded for handling outside the box and substitute Jack Marriott then nodded in after replacement keeper Lee Grant had only parried an initial effort.

    But Marouane Fellaini rescued the Red Devils with a trademark header, although it proved only a brief respite as the Rams roared into the next round following a penalty shootout that provided plenty of perfect penalties and drama.

    Here we rate the United players.

    MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)

    Sergio Romero – 5: An odd night for the Argentine, who made fine stops from Mason Bennett and Harry Wilson, before being helpless to stop Wilson’s thunderous free-kick and then being rightly dismissed.

    Diogo Dalot – 7: Another energetic performance from the teenager on his second United appearance. Looks a good fit. Nerveless spot-kick.

    Phil Jones – 4: Lack of concentration almost led to a swift equaliser. Two tackles and clearances but looked unconvincing after the break. Missed the crucial spot-kick.

    Eric Bailly – 5: Looked fairly calm and composed before Derby roared back after the break. Often his first move is to hack anything clear. Four clearances led United who were all at sea in the second half. Unconvincing.

    Ashley Young – 7: Committed performance from the captain, although stupidly gave away the free-kick from which the Rams rocked United.

    Nemanja Matic – 6: On patrol for Derby’s free-flowing midfield, making two interceptions. Committed more fouls than anyone on the pitch (four). Scored superbly in shootout.

    Ander Herrera – 6: Neat and tidy as United flowed in the first 45 minutes, but faded after the break slightly and sacrificed when the first subs came.

    Juan Mata – 6: Always had a knack of scoring but not recently. Beautifully finished off a fine move. Pulled strings with 92 per cent pass accuracy leading Red Devils.

    Jesse Lingard – 7: Intelligently found Mata for the goal when he could have lashed an effort himself. Busy and energetic, lively in attack for hosts before exiting.

    Anthony Martial – 8: Lovely to see him running at back-peddling defenders. Why doesn’t he do it enough? Sumptuous touch and cross led to opener. Looked deadly for Derby whenever he had the ball. Three key passes led United.

    Romelu Lukaku – 6: Clever part in the goal. Has got to be finishing chances like the one he had to make it 2-0 though. Just one of four shots on target.

    SUBS:

    Marouane Fellaini – 7: Did what he does best, affect the game. Header in dying seconds sent game to penalties. Tucked his spot-kick away superbly.

    Fred – 6: Brought on to add some steel to United’s midfield. Added zip but pass accuracy (68.4 per cent) was dreadful. Spot-kick was emphatic.

    Lee Grant – 7: Entered the fray against his former club after Romero’s red card. Save from Jozefzoon was stunning, but looked sluggish in shootout.

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