Manchester United produced a superb performance to deny Manchester City the chance to win the Premier League title at the Etihad last week but an insipid display at Old Trafford on Sunday handed their neighbours the prize this time around.
The Baggies scored through a Jay Rodriguez header to win 1-0 and spark celebrations in the Blue half of Manchester.
Here, we rate the performances of United’s players.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3)
David De Gea – 6: Made a fine save in the first half low to his right and a couple of routine ones followed.
Antonio Valencia – 5: Was solid at the back but ran out of ideas going forward.
Chris Smalling – 6: Decent shift from the Englishman, had a header on goal late on that he could’ve done better with.
Victor Lindelof – 6: Apart from one nervy moment when he was closed down quickly, he looked comfortable throughout.
Ashley Young – 5: Didn’t link up well with Alexis Sanchez. Little defending to do but like the rest of the team, short of ideas going forward.
Ander Herrera – 5: Should’ve won a penalty when Craig Dawson brought him down inside the area in the first half. Replaced at half-time.
Nemanja Matic – 5: Played 121 passes on the day, more than any other player by a mile. Horrendous header back across goal to gift Rodriguez the winner.
Paul Pogba – 4: Was a shadow of the player that sparked a remarkable comeback against City and was hauled off before the hour mark.
Juan Mata – 5: Was busy as ever and had a couple of shots at goal but couldn’t find the killer pass.
Romelu Lukaku – 6: Forced a couple of phenomenal saves from Ben Foster in either half although he could’ve been more precise with his first effort. Looked the most likely to score though.
Alexis Sanchez – 5: Worked hard and chased things down but another tough outing in a United shirt.
SUBS:
Jesse Lingard – 6: Replaced Herrera at the break and almost made an instant impact. Looked threatening.
Anthony Martial – 5: Wasn’t able to offer the kind of penetration he was sent on to provide.
Marcus Rashford – N/A: Came on for Young in the 75th minute.
