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| Frustrating: Manchester United have only picked up 1 point from 2 matches |
Having lost their opener to Swansea, shockingly, Manchester United came into this match hoping to set things right. However, prior to the match, United were dealt a massive setback, as their main midfielder Ander Herrera had been sidelined for 6 weeks with an ankle injury.
Unfortunately, that meant that Van Gaal barely had any options left in midfield, as we could see in the starting line-up, because Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley were starting in the middle of the park against Sunderland.
Evidently, things did not go well in this match, despite Manchester United starting three world class players in attack: Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata. A midfield duo consisting of Lee Cattermole and Jack Rodwell, who also scored Sunderland's equalizer, overran United's weak, fragile duo of Fletcher and Cleverley.
It was clear, once again, that United's defence and midfield needed some serious reinforcements. With about 7 players injured, United's squad depth right now looks as thin as paper, and it will be joy to the ears of Manchester United fans if they do indeed sign midfielders like Daley Blind and Nigel de Jong, who they want apparently according to ESPN.
Player Ratings
David de Gea: 7/10
Had little to do for the whole match, as Sunderland barely threatened the goal apart from the goal, which he could do nothing about. Decent distribution.
Antonio Valencia: 6/10
Offered very little creativity in attack, although he did provide Juan Mata with a fantastic drilled cross. Covered well defensively, his pace allowed him to get back into position when himself or his teammates were caught out. Left his man unmarked for Sunderland's equalizer, which is just another example of how he is not the best defensively. That is concerning, because he is not the best offensively, either.
Chris Smalling: 6/10
Looked very nervy at the start, diving into a couple of challenges rashly. Looked uncomfortable on the ball, and passing it, but he is still one of United's top defenders, and they won't be pleased at all seeing him go off injured.
Phil Jones: 8/10
Once again, Jones was the main man in United's defense. He made a couple of brilliant last ditch challenges and darted forward when he got the chance, trying to contribute to the attack. Has easily been United's defender in these opening matches, and they will not want him to get injured.
Tyler Blackett: 7/10
Very composed on the ball for someone of his age, and the composure was once again there today. Played very maturely, and defended quite well. His pace allowed him to get back when he was caught out of position. His distribution and composure on the ball are attributes which impress me most.
Ashley Young: 5.5/10
Another ordinary performance from him. Offers next to nothing going forward, his crosses are fairly inaccurate and is often caught out of position, which gifts the opposition glorious chances. Will be lucky to be on the bench when Luke Shaw comes back to fitness and Marcos Rojo is available for selection.
Darren Fletcher: 5/10
Another dire performance from Manchester United's vice captain. Made a rash of a couple of simple passes towards the beginning of the match, and was caught in possession too many times. United definitely need to upgrade on him, he cannot be their defensive midfielder for longer.
Tom Cleverley: 5/10
As usual, Cleverley was lacking confidence. In short, he lacked everything a midfielder at a 'big club' requires; those requirements being confidence, technical ability and vision. Offered none of that today.
Juan Mata: 6/10
Despite snatching his goal, Mata once again struggled to break down the opposition's defense, which was his main job. Is it just me or have his free-kicks/corners gone down in quality since last season?
Wayne Rooney: 6/10
Unfortunately, Rooney was unable to get involved in the game much. Barely had any chances, and was living off scraps.
Robin van Persie: 6/10
Similar to Rooney, van Persie was also unable to get involved at all, and he was also living off scraps. One small positive would be to see him back on the pitch.
Adnan Januzaj: 5.5/10
Was brought on in place of Fletcher, in the unfamiliar role of CM. Didn't do anything wrong, just looked too uncomfortable playing there, which is understandable.
Danny Welbeck: 6/10
Like the other strikers, he too was largely uninvolved but put in a lot of effort trying to chase down lost causes.
Michael Keane: 6/10
Made a bizarre error whilst trying to head the ball clear, which will unfortunately be the highlight of his performance. His young, defensive counterpart looks much more likely to be featuring this campaign, despite a fairly good and solid performance from Michael.
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