Player Ratings: Cardiff City 1-5 Manchester United

Manchester United faced off against Cardiff City for their first match under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s management and wow, it was a fun one. I think we can all agree that this was the first entertaining match this team has played in a long time. They were competitive, fast, and fun to watch. I am excited to give you these ratings.

David De Gea: 8

Though De Gea failed to make a save on Victor Camarasa’s penalty, he played a strong game. De Gea made beautiful saves and his effort for this team should never be disqualified because he failed to save a penalty.

Ashley Young: 7

Ashley Young had another strong match. You couldn’t miss him on the pitch, whether he was defending or providing offensive assistance. He plays a key role in this squad.

Phil Jones: 7

Did you guys see that shot on goal Jones had? I was impressed with his play for the first time in a while. He provided important defensive support and even took his game up front a bit.

Victor Lindelöf: 9

Victor Lindelöf proves again that he plays a key role on this team. He is probably the squad’s best defender with the ball at his feet and he showed off his abilities this weekend.

Luke Shaw: 7

Shaw’s return to the lineup after suffering an injury was an impressive one. He aided in several offensive plays. Though he did draw the lone MUFC yellow card of the match.

Nemanja Matić: 7

I have been loudly critical of Matić this season. I think he has played below his capabilities. I will give him credit this week — he played the best he’s played in a while.

Ander Herrera: 9

Herrera had a powerful goal that gave United a 2-0 lead early in the first half. Sometimes he can play a bit messy, but he was on his game today. A great performance.

Paul Pogba: 8

Do you think Paul Pogba was relieved to take the pitch without Mourinho’s presence? I would say so. He had two great assists today — making Herrera and Lingard’s goals happen — as well as playing in a role in the build-up to Martial’s.

Jesse Lingard: 10

What a match Lingard had today. He is proving himself again after having a few rough games. He netted two goals for a perfect rating from yours truly.

Anthony Martial: 9

In his last eight Premier League starts, Martial has a total of eight goals. He plays key offense for the club and is making it clear that a contract extension is in United’s best interest.

Marcus Rashford: 8

Rashford found the goal early and started the momentum that would lead to five goals scored by the Reds. He did draw the penalty that lead to the Cardiff goal, but thankfully United continued to shine on the attack.

Fred (Sub, 79’): 5

Fred came on as a sub late in the second half, so we didn’t see much of him. But, he played solid in the minutes he saw.

Andreas Pereira (Sub, 87’): N/A

Pereira came on the pitch very late, so not much to say about his performance. It was nice to see him make an appearance, though.

Marouane Fellaini (Sub, ‘87): N/A

Another late sub in the match. Made little to no impact.