Post Last Edit by matsyeh at 12-3-2012 09:23
Man United vs West Brom Player Ratings
We rate the players in the Premier League game between Manchester United and West Brom which the defending champions comfortably won 2-0.
It was a day when the lead changed hands in the Premier League for the first time since October.
Wayne Rooney's brace combined with Manchester City's 1-0 loss at Swansea sent the defending champions to the top of the table.
United were quite magnificent at Old Trafford, dominating large swathes of the game - with Ashley Young and Paul Scholes in particular putting in some eye-catching performances.
Here we rate the players in the game.
Manchester United David De Gea - 7 Continued to bolster his reputation in the Premier League, most notably with a fingertip save off a deflected Keith Andrews' free-kick early in the first half and a strong hand late in the second to deny Shane Long. Most crucially from United's perspective though, the Spaniard was assured from corners and free-kicks.
Phil Jones - 8 Was excellent on the right, giving great support to Danny Welbeck and providing the United forwards with some incisive crosses. Put in a decent shift at the back as well, not allowing Chris Brunt much time on the ball.
Jonny Evans - 7 Had a relatively easy outing - given that West Brom were pinned back in their own half for most of the game and United's central defensive pairing only had Fortune to deal with. Even made some decent forward runs.
Rio Ferdinand - 7 Stuck to Marc-Antoine Fortune like a limpet through the game, not allowing the big striker any space at all. To be honest though, this was probably one of the easier outings the veteran would have been involved in.
Patrice Evra - 7.5 Had one of his better games up front, combining quite brilliantly with Young and popped up in the box time and again to provide United with an added attacking dimension. Did look rickety at the back at times - and was extremely lucky to not concede a penalty when he brought down Peter Odemwingie in the box.
Ashley Young - 9 Was quite unstoppable on the day - giving Tamas a nightmare. The Romanian had no answer to Young's quick feet. Won the penalty that sealed all three points for United and deserved at least one goal for his outstanding efforts through the match.
Paul Scholes (off 72') - 9 Simply stunning. They say it's impossible for relatively slow players to survive in the frantic atmosphere of the Premier League; it's not if you're a legend like Scholes. The veteran, along with Young, ran the show for the home side - picking out passes at will.
Got United going with a superb ball out wide to Javier Hernandez which ultimately resulted in the opener and should have had another assist when another raking ball found Welbeck, whose sidefooted shot just rolled past the post.
Michael Carrick - 6 Not quite as stunning as his partner in midfield, but played his part in breaking up West Brom's play whenever the visitors threatened to go on the counter.
Wayne Rooney - 8.5 Scored both the goals for his side, with the first oozing class. Javier Hernandez's shot seemed to be heading into Ben Foster's arms when the striker nipped in between the defenders and deflected it past the keeper. Linked up well with Welbeck as well as Hernandez - and ran the show up front for his side.
Javier Hernandez - 8 Enjoyed one of his better games of the season - showing off his entire arsenal by shooting from distance, crossing the ball in from wide positions and keeping himself onside more often than off. Could have had a goal as well, when his shot from just inside the area rattled the crossbar.
Danny Welbeck (off 77') - 7.5 Acquitted himself admirably out wide on the right, and really should have scored when he beautifully collected Scholes' long ball and rounded Foster, only to send his shot just wide.
Subs Paul Pogba (on 72') - 5 Got a shot away on target, but didn't really have much time on the ball. At least his appearance on the pitch will quell rumours that he is on his way to Juventus.
Tom Cleverley (on 77') - 5 Another one who didn't have much time on the pitch, but United fans would be glad to see him back in action. | 
Post time 10-3-2012 12:33 PM
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