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Player Ratings: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Manchester United

A day to forget for mostly everyone.

Huddersfield Town v Manchester United - Premier League Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

In the most unlikely of upsets, it was a day to forget for a woeful Manchester United side who fall five points behind Manchester City. Here are our player ratings:

David De Gea: 6

The Spaniard was most likely expecting a routine clean sheet against newly promoted opposition, however, he conceded two in the first half – the same amount of goals he’s conceded all season in the Premier League previous to this game. For the first goal, he made a decent stop from Ince’s initial effort but was helpless to anything with the rebound. Could not be blamed for the second goal after embarrassing defending from Lindelof. Was rarely troubled for the rest of the game.

Antonio Valencia: 5.5

After receiving high praise from United legend Gary Neville, Valencia put in a subpar performance for what should be expected from a Manchester United captain. He defended well, but was poor going forward.

Phil Jones: 6

Jones’ unfortunate, incessant injury form continues. The defender, who has been a rock at the back for United this season, will be added to the long-list of injured players. After exerting himself in a tackle, Jones fell to the ground 22 minutes into the game. His frustration was noticeable as he thumped his fist into the ground; at which point, most fans held their heads in their hands knowing the inevitable. Hopefully it won’t be as serious as expected.

Chris Smalling: 5

The English center-back will need to step-up if Phil Jones is out. He looked shaky at times in the backline, especially when Jones left the field and Lindelof came in. He had a great chance in the dying moments of the game to salvage an equalizer, but showed about as much composure as can be expected from a center-back.

Ashley Young: 5

The veteran defender had a game to forget as his usual high standards fell. In a game where United enjoyed two-thirds of the ball, Young rarely delivered one threatening cross into the Huddersfield box. Typically United’s best outlet on the wing at distributing service into the box, Young was struggling to find his rhythm. Very rarely troubled defensively.

Nemanja Matic: 7 (Man of the Match)

Arguably, once again, United’s best player, Matic was the one determined driving force in the side. He continues to break up play sensationally well, covering large amounts of the field effortlessly. He linked the play to the attack well, but was let down by his teammates lack of creativity in the final third.

Ander Herrera: 5

It was a similar story to the midweek game against Benficafor Herrera; plenty of energy defensively yet devoid of ideas going forward. Struggled to maintain possession, especially in the first-half with Huddersfield pressing the ball well.

Juan Mata: 4

Potentially his worst performance as a United player. The Spaniard was at fault for the first goal, shrugged off the ball too easily by Mooy. Going forward, he failed to link United’s play and was useless in the wide position. Subbed at half-time.

Anthony Martial: 4

Showed his youthful inexperience mentally, reacting to a Tommy Smith tackle and being subsequently booked. That set the tone for the rest of his game; the crowd got on his back and he could have been sent off in the first half. He was targeted defensively by Huddersfield, often being doubled in the wide areas. Struggled and was subbed in the first half for Rashford.

Jesse Lingard: 5

Lingard looked rusty in his first start in the Premier League this season. Although bursting with energy and runs, his touch was off for large parts of the game, and decision making was very poor. Hasn’t given Mourinho enough of an incentive to offer him a starting spot again.

Romelu Lukaku: 5.5

Delivered a fantastic cross for Rashford’s goal in the second half, but that was about all we can praise Lukaku for in this game. He started the game well, pouncing on a through ball from Matic and firing a shot that was well saved. However, he was isolated and double-marked often by Huddersfield’s back-two, who did a great job at keeping the Belgian at bay.

Victor Lindelof (Sub, 23’): 3

After coming on for the injured Phil Jones, the Swede had a day to forget. At complete fault for the second goal; he was unable to deal with a routine long ball from the keeper and was punished for it. Looked shaky throughout the game in his first big Premier League test. With defensive injuries stacking up for United, he will need to improve.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Sub, 45’): 5

Rested by Mourinho after looking fatigued in the last couple of games, Mkhitaryan offered United another creative dimension after coming on in the second half, but he did not do enough to break down a dogged and determined Huddersfield defense.

Marcus Rashford (Sub, 45’): 5.5

Scored United’s lone goal, meeting Lukaku’s excellent cross with a confident header. Looked imposing going forward, but did not capitalize in a weak team performance from United.

Jose Mourinho: 5

Can be criticized for the third game in a row. This United side is the complete polar of what we saw at the start of the season. The catalyzing game appeared to be Liverpool, where his return to old tactics seemed to affect the overall psyche of this attack-minded United side. In what seems to be a more fractured side, Mourinho will look to regain the affection of the fans with a big win against Spurs at Old Trafford, before heading to Stamford Bridge to face a familiar foe.