Man Utd ratings: Onana’s quick thinking sets up early goal but Lindelof could not keep up with sensational Foden

ERIK TEN HAG came to the Etihad with a clear game plan to frustrate City.

And after Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a stunning strike in the eighth minute that certainly looked like a possibility.

GettyAfter a bright start, United became ineffectual in the game[/caption]

City seemed caught unawares with just how deep United were willing to sit in the first half and were caught with regularity on the break – meaning United fans wouldn’t have been blamed for thinking they could have gone into half-time two or three nil up.

But as so often with this machine-like City team, they found a way, slowly working out how to break down United’s stubborn defence as they bode their time in possession.

It was the brilliance of Phil Foden that first picked the lock, scoring a goal almost as good as Rashford’s in the 56th minute.

His second was special too, as he burst into the United box to get on the end of Julian Alvarez’s pass before finishing cooly.

By the end United’s rear guard was truly broken, with substitute Sofyan Amrabat having his pocket picked by Rodri too easily on the edge of his box in stoppage time.

Once the Spaniard laid the ball to Haaland, there was only one outcome, with him slotting the ball past Onana to make it 3-1.

Here’s how SunSport rated the United players’ performances…

Andre Onana – 7

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Quick thinking with the pass for United opener.

Stop from Foden was the best of a number of saves from the Cameroon – but he did not have much chance with any of the goals.

GettyHis quick thinking led to United’s opener[/caption]

Diogo Dalot – 6

Anxious moment as VAR checked for handball early on – but did well to nullify Doku who was subbed after an ineffective display.

Second goal came down his wing.

Raphael Varane – 6

Key interception from a De Bruyne cross just before the break.

Booked for uncompromising foul on Haaland as United struggled to stem the tide and in the end they caved in.

Jonny Evans – 7

Veteran once against proved his worth by leading the rearguard action for three quarters of the game keeping Haaland quiet.

Replaced by Kambwala midway through second half.

Victor Lindelof – 5

Makeshift left full-back did his best against Foden – and used all his experience to help.

Could not keep up with the England ace for the equaliser but stuck to his task.

Casemiro – 7

Holding breath after early challenge on Stones.

So important in protecting the back four for much of the game but then lost Foden for City’s second to spoil an otherwise decent display.

GettyAn improved performance from Casemiro after he’s come in for criticism[/caption]

Kobbie Mainoo – 6

Youngster was not fazed by stepping into the heat of a Manchester derby and did his bit in keeping United.

Replaced late on as United had to chase an equaliser.

Scott McTominay – 6

Given a start as Ten Hag opted to pack the midfield to try to stifle City and it proved to be effective as the home side were frustrated.

Found it harder once City scored and the game opened up

Bruno Fernandes – 6

Skipper often operated as a false nine and the lay off for Rashford’s screamer was perfect.

Involved in United’s best moments going forward – although there weren’t many. 

Alejandro Garnacho – 6

Did not see much of the ball, however he could have snatched an unlikely winner for United but was denied by a flying tackle from Ederson and was subbed off soon afterwards.

Marcus Rashford – 7

What a strike by the England man – one of the goals of the season – but otherwise a mixed afternoon. A couple of misses and went down too easily – leading to City’s equaliser.

GettyMarcus Rashford hit a stunning strike to open the scoring[/caption]

Subs

Willy Kambwala – 5

Tough task taking over from Evans as City were on the front foot.

Antony – N/A

A couple of chances to open things up but as often is the case he could not do anything.

Sofyan Amrabat – 5

Gave the ball away to Rodri for City’s third.

Omari Forson – N/A

No real chance to make an impact with all the action at the other end.

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