Man United ratings as Scott McTominay leads charge from midfield against Norwich

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  • Manchester United produced their best attacking display since the opening day of the season against Chelsea as Anthony Martial’s Premier League return livened up his side to the tune of a 3-1 victory at Norwich City.

    United could even afford to miss two penalties – one apiece by Marcus Rashford and Martial – in a game that was never in doubt once the impressive Scott McTominay lashed home in the 21st minute.

    Rashford’s penalty miss, after Dan James was brought down, was immediately followed by a composed finish from the England forward on the half-hour mark – though Martial would miss from the spot too when Todd Cantwell handballed in the area.

    The visitors got the third they deserved however through Martial’s dinked finish in the second half, though Onel Hernandez’s consolation spoiled the mood somewhat at the death.

    Here are our ratings …

    4-2-3-1

    David De Gea – Had one decent save from long range to make, and was motoring to a rare clean sheet only for a lapse in concentration by his team-mates.  6

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – His incredible recovery skills continued apace here, several times backtracking and making inch-perfect slide tackles. According to whoscored.com, he registered all 10 successful tackles between United’s back four. 8

    Victor Lindelof – It felt as if Wan-Bissaka was forced to cover at centre-back a number of times, and when confronted Lindelof can be a trifle weak in the challenge. 6

    Harry Maguire – Sucked in too easily for Norwich’s consolation as Onel Hernandez skipped past. Had a good day with the ball at his feet with several raking passes. 6

    Ashley Young – Horror show. At this point, you may as well name young Brandon Williams the starter with Luke Shaw perennially broken. Clumsy fouls and the cause of several promising attacks breaking down. 3

    Scott McTominay – It was proving a banner day for the Scot, only to lose his focus and give the ball away for Norwich’s goal. Regardless, the 22-year-old got the party started United for a thunderous shot on the turn and was simply too powerful for the Canaries’ midfield to contend with. 8

    Fred – Many a United fan has uttered the question: ‘what does Fred do?’ There was an answer of sorts at Carrow Road, as several crunching tackles – seven successful in total – saw make his mark. In a good way. 7

    Daniel James – The boy is not just a bargain buy. He stands on his own two feet, indeed delivers sumptuous balls with his own two feet, and showcased this again on Sunday. His gorgeously weighted ball into the path of Rashford was arguably the highlight of the match. 8

    Andreas Pereira – Balance was restored with the return of Martial to the starting XI, allowing Pereira to pick his moments in central pockets behind the Frenchman. Adventurous without the foolishness. 7

    Marcus Rashford – Could easily have shrunk after yet another penalty miss, but intentionally slotted through the impressive Krul’s legs and his backheel into the path of Martial for the goal was pure telepathy. 8

    Anthony Martial – Norwich’s defence do not cover themselves in glory, that’s for sure. Yet Martial makes United that much more dangerous with both his speed and poise as the central striker. The only flustered moment came with his penalty miss. 8

    SUBSTITUTES

    Mason Greenwood – Only touched the ball 12 times in 15 minutes as Norwich made a few forays late on.  5

    Jesse Lingard – Much maligned, but important to have back as crucial depth in attacking areas. 6

    James Garner – A Premier League debut for the 18-year-old and given his talent, likely the first appearance of many. N/A

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