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These are Fresh Football’s ratings for the EFL Cup tie between Manchester City and Manchester United at Old Trafford:
Manchester United
David De Gea - 5
It’s a 5 for De Gea, purely on the basis that he had absolutely nothing to do all game.
Antonio Valencia - 5
Tactically disciplined, but largely unrefined in attack. Not a great deal got past Valencia, mind
Marcos Rojo - 6
There were a few concerned faces at the prospect of Rojo deputising at centre back, but the Argentine appeared comfortable, particularly in possession.
Daley Blind - 5
Technically comfortable, as we’ve come to expect from Blind, but another who didn’t appear to have much to do with regards to defending.
Luke Shaw - 5
Although the ex-Southampton man linked up fairly nicely with Rashford on the left flank, handling Jesus Navas’ pace proved to be an issue. The distance kept in the second half, however, made the task of containing the Spaniard become far more manageable for Shaw.
Michael Carrick - 6
A super composed performance from the midfield veteran, which once again adds to the case being made for him to start more regularly for Man United.
Ander Herrera - 6
Carrick’s presence freed Herrera of some of his newly-appointed defensive responsibilities of late, which allowed him to press higher up the pitch to great effect.
Juan Mata - 6
Floated in and out of the right flank, which kept the home side’s possession flowing, but also limited the options out wide. Mata, of course, came up with the all important goal too in a 1-0 victory.
Paul Pogba - 5
The Frenchman looked to make something happen every time he got onto the ball, often a little forceful in doing so.
Marcus Rashford - 8
Head and shoulders above everyone on the night, proving to be a menace to young Pablo Maffeo on United’s left wing and causing City plenty of issues on the counter-attack.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 6
It looked as though the former PSG man would be heading for another disappointing display based on his first-half performance, but Ibrahimovic managed to up his game in the second period to create a couple of good chances and assist Mata.
Subs:
Morgan Schneiderlin - N/A
Manchester City
Willy Caballero - 5
Pulled off a good save from a left-footed Pogba shot in the second half, but rare were the occasions when the Argentine shot-stopped was called into action.
Pablo Maffeo - 6
An impressive display from young Maffeo, who was undoubtedly among the best in a City shirt, despite having his hands full with dealing with Rashford.
Vincent Kompany - 5
A standard performance by the Belgian, who was taken off at half-time, presumably with another injury to add to the tally.
Nicolas Otamendi - 3
Far too dedicated to pressing and winning the ball back, which often left massive gaps behind him for Man United to target.
Gael Clichy - 4
Fairly anonymous, particularly in attack, which is disappointing from the ex-Arsenal defender considering the potential licence to do so thanks to Juan Mata roaming inwards.
Fernando - 6
He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but Fernando appeared fairly solid and much improved on the ball.
Aleix Garcia - 6
Another, alongside Maffeo, to catch the eye in the middle of the park. Garcia looked the likeliest to make something happen.
Jesus Navas - 4
Attacked Shaw well, but at the same time, Navas appeared very predictable once more in his decision making.
Leroy Sané - 3
The winger, operating behind the striker in this encounter, failed to inflict any damage in the final third, meanwhile ghosting through much of the second half before being replaced by Raheem Sterling.
Nolito - 4
Found a couple good passes in attack, but notable involvement came few and far between.
Kelechi Iheanacho - 3
Missed a great opportunity to stun Old Trafford in the early exchanges of the tie, but the Nigerian’s miss would go on to commence a lacklustre performance.
Subs:
Aleksandar Kolarov - 3
Slotted in terribly next to Otamendi in the second half, allowing United to grow in confidence and eventually take the lead.
Raheem Sterling - 4
Replacing Sané, Sterling tried, but ultimately failed to ignite any potential City comeback.
Sergio Agüero - N/A
