Hugh hands out his marks
Fabianski Three or four outstanding saves, got fortunate on one of them but where we might have been without him is a scary thought 9
Coufal: Stretched at times in comparison to pervious performances and took a couple of heavy knocks but remains one of the best players in the team 7+
Diop: He can feel pleased with his night’s work. Plenty of composure and made some important blocks and interventions 8
Dawson: Sadly, responsible for an own goal from the corner but apart from that on his game 7
Cresswell: On the back foot most of the night and very little attacking impetus as United pressed forward. Not his best game 6
Johnson: No complaints down the left before he was inexplicably switched to the right before being subbed. Did little wrong – very strange behaviour from DM 6
Noble: Did well at what he was supposed although I’m really not sure what sure that was supposed to be on a night when we really should have had a go. 6+
Bowen: At it all night and made some decent runs in a game which hadn’t been set up by the manager for much attacking purpose 7
Soucek: Found the space he normally occupies taken by Noble on many occasions so not his usual self 6+
Rice: With United dominating he found it hard to make his presence really felt, like Soucek 6+
Antonio: Hopeless task until the subs appeared to give some real support in the second half but kept trying as is his way and there were one or two some great runs 7
Subs
Benrahma: Brought on for the creativity we so badly needed but once again no serious impact 5
Lanzini: Looked bright and sharp on a night when we were always second best. The boy could be important towards the end of the season 6+
I thought we had two stand out performances. Fabianski was one but the other truly outstanding performance was Coufal. As for Noble I really hope we do nto see him starting again this season, that should be it after tonight.
Team selection was a tactical disaster. It completely wasted one half of the game when we should have been taking the game to United, that is if we do aspire to be in a top four finish. Our attacking rhythm built up over many games was ditched. Put this loss fairly and squarely at the door of DM.
I dont agree with your Johnson rating, Hugh. A good player, but not good tonight – too many misplaced passes, and found himself out of position a few times. He will learn, but came up short today for me. Also not sure on Benhrama rating – played one particularly fantastic ball into the box late on. Just needs to be a bit more assertive, IMO.
Dawson made the mistake that led to the goal. Scored, and repeated the error a second time (or the other way round). Poor outing.
Bowen was invisible for much of the match. Johnson moved to the left to compensate. Another poor showing.
Sorry cannot agree, Johnson battling, way to many wayward passes, out of his league currently, has youth on his side, Benrahma offered a lot, looked more comfortable on the ball, his timing of his passes was much better.. Noble upsets the Soucek and Rice combination… No more please cannot agree with contract extension…
As a Man United supporter as have to say I really didnt get the first half set up. A team on a good run, playing well, in contention for a top four , playing a United team often poor at home on the back of a Thurs night Europa outing, and yet so negative. Yes we are good on the counter, but surely come and have a go! Believe in your undoubted quality. The own goal was really just desserts I’m afraid. We could easily have scored before that too , to be fair. But this is Moyes I’m afraid. Sorry , just didnt get it at all.