Manchester United 1-0 Sheffield United: Player Ratings

David de Gea 6

Didn't have much to do, but did it well. The last three games seem to have arrested his recent slump in form.

Matteo Darmian 6

A perfectly reasonable display given the talents he has, but to be as old as he is an unable to actually cross the ball is ridiculous. Still, it will aid his adjustment as he gets used to English football and his teammates.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson 6

His crossing, too, is appalling. Unlike Darmian he has the excuse of use, so may yet improve. He doesn't panic, he's reasonably quick and his positioning is acceptable. He deserves chances when the opportunities present themselves.

Chris Smalling 6

Not needed

Daley Blind 6

Also not needed, but an excellent pass into the box for Bastian Schweinsteiger in the first half.

Marouane Fellaini 3

Not needed, but in a different sense, in that he's absolutely terrible at football and can't even make a difference and keep things simple against Sheffield United. At one point he had time to send in a cross from a dangerous area on the right, and instead turned onto his left, sent a pass straight to a defender, and almost fell over.

Bastian Schweinsteiger 5

An able performance, even if it's clear how limited he is by age, wear and tear. Give him some players ahead of him with pace and movement, and he'd be having a brilliant season.

Juan Mata 5

Completely anonymous. He can't change enough to make a difference under Louis van Gaal, and Van Gaal doesn't want to change enough to give him a chance to make a difference.

Ander Herrera 5

Played as a number 10, where he should have more of a positive influence, he still should be played deeper, in a midfield three. A fine player in the right team, not strong or talented enough to impose himself when he's in the wrong team.

Wayne Rooney 3

Back to being the worst player on the pitch, were it not for his well taken penalty to win the match. He needs 10 more goals to break United's scoring record, and there's legitimate reason to believe he won't make it.

Anthony Martial 6

Takes players on, has pace and close control. Why he isn't the striker is a mystery, and unjustifiable.

Substitutes

Memphis 7

While he is yet to match the highlight reel from his time in the Netherlands, he is nevertheless growing in confidence. His decision making is improving gradually, and while he might have exaggerated his fall after being fouled in the box, his run and determination into the box was the most dangerous thing done all match.

Jesse Lingard 5

A limited performance from a limited player, but we can expect more as he returns to full fitness.

Andreas Pereira 6

Showed more talent in the few minutes he was on the pitch than Fellaini, the man he replaced, did.