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Two early goals help Manchester United cruise comfortably past Swansea City at Old Trafford. After Liverpool’s early win, it was crucial for the Reds to get all three points, and an impressive first-half display assured that they did. Jesse Lingard thrived in the number 10 role, Alexis Sánchez was in fine form and grabbed a goal, and Romelu Lukaku grabbed his 100th Premier League goal. Here are our player ratings.
David De Gea: 7
Produced two moments of world class goalkeeping to prevent Tammy Abraham from scoring. Absolute passenger in the first-half, but became much more involved in the game as Swansea looked more threatening after the break.
Antonio Valencia: 6
The captain was much more defensive than expected against a disappointing opposition. He made some ambitious forward runs in the opening 30 minutes, but was more conservative in the latter stages.
Chris Smalling: 6
Came back from the international break looking confident. Fairly untested throughout but made necessary interceptions and relaxed in possession.
Victor Lindelöf: 6
A composed performance from the Swede, who has often been criticized when lined up next to Chris Smalling. The visitors didn’t give him any problems in the first-half but were much more aggressive and pressing after the break. Nevertheless, an important clean sheet and some good minutes.
Ashley Young: 6.5
A good performance both offensively and defensively from the veteran left-back. He tended to sit back more in the second-half as Swansea looked more threatening going forward. However, he always looked solid and cleaned up well.
Nemanja Matić: 6.5
The rock in the middle gave another efficient performance. Swansea never had control of the game and Matić cruised throughout the match and ever looked flustered.
Paul Pogba: 6
Pogba looked brilliant at times, and frustrated at others. It was a decent performance and the Frenchman could’ve had a couple of assists, including a superb lofted pass, which Mata volleyed over from close range.
Juan Mata: 6.5
Juan Mata was a key component in Manchester United’s attacking play in the first-half. He connected well in a free-flowing display which saw the job done early on.
Jesse Lingard: 7
Lingard looked dangerous and lively in an entertaining first-half of football from the Reds. He thrived in the number 10 role and linked cleverly with the likes of Pogba, Mata and Sanchez, combining some exquisite combination play. Grabbed an assist for Sanchez.
Alexis Sánchez: 7
The Chilean grabbed a much needed goal in an impressive first-half display. Much like United’s performance, Sánchez seemed to fade slightly in the second-half, but gave glimpses of what he is capable of. He took his goal with composure and confidence.
Romelu Lukaku: 7
The Belgium striker netted his 100th Premier League goal, scoring after just five minutes. He looked threatening throughout and could’ve added to that tally if it hadn’t been for some good goalkeeping from Fabianski.
Ander Herrera (Sub, 75’): 5.5
Herrera will be glad just to get some minutes after recovering from injury. Didn’t have too much influence in the game.
Marcus Rashford (Sub, 75’): 6
Eager to stamp his mark on the game with some dangerous forward runs.
Scott McTominay (Sub, 90’): N/A
Too late for a rating.
José Mourinho: 6.5
Mourinho appeared to have his side fired up for this game from the opening whistle. The Reds started with explosive attacking pace and looked as impressive they had all season. They faded in the latter stages in the game and did not capitalize on the chances they created.