PLAYER RATINGS: ASTON VILLA VS MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United winning streak of six games came to an end yesterday as the team had to come back from a goal down to get a hard earned 1 - 1  draw, thanks to a Falcao header on the 53^rd  minute from an Ashley Young’s cross. The goal cancelled out a Benteke sublime finish on the 18^th minute.  While United had most of the possession, goal attempts and short on target, all that did not count as the Villa defence marshalled by a reported United target Vlaar kept Can Persie, Falcao, Rooney and others silent for most of the game.Redly United rates the performance of the United players.

De Gea: 7

Another wonderful performance from the United shot stopper. He did well to parry some shorts in the game.  Had to pick the ball from his net once, unlucky he couldn’t get anywhere near the goal.

Valencia: 6

Fairly good game for the winger turned defender. Tried helping in the attack on a number of occasions , but his crosses were not anywhere near what was expected, could and should have been more effective in his delivery.

Phil Jones: 6.5

Good performance from him, but that could have been better. it was a confidence boosting performance for him, and he should get better as the games come by.

Jonney Evans: 4

Another flat performance from the central back for the second game running.  Was at fault for the Benteke’s goal, and wasn’t commanding as expected.

Ashley Young: 8

Considering he was facing his former club, he was booed for the whole ninety minutes, but didn’t allowed that to distract him, provided the delightful cross for Falcao’s goal, worked tirelessly and seemed to be getting better as a left back.

Michael Carrick:  6.5

As expected, started in defence, but was latter pushed forward to the midfield. A little above average performance from him, considering his form, he could have influenced the game better.

Darren Fletcher: 4

His first start in a while and did very little to deserve another, lost the ball on several occasions and couldn’t exert his authority on the game. Substituted at half time.

Wayne Rooney: 6

Was a dominant figure in the game, but couldn’t get into those dangerous positions, provided a wonderful ball for Van Persie, who should have scored, other than that, he was just available for passes and tried to spread play.

Juan Mata: 5.5

Extremely silent in the first half, got better and much into the game in the second half, but was unable to exert much influence on the game.

Van Persie: 6

A fair game for him, with much expected form him due to his goal scoring form. But wasn’t able to get into goal scoring positions and was surprisingly substituted.  

Radamel Falcao: 7

The fan were happy to see him start, had a decent game capped by a wonder full headed goal. A good match for him to improve his fitness, played the full game and should get more playing time with the hectic December schedule.

Substitutes

Tyler Blackket: 6

Settled into the game quickly and put in a decent performance

Angel Di Maria: 5

Brought on late into the game, but couldn’t provide the needed spark, had two shots saved easily

James Wilson: 5

Didn’t have any impact on the game.

Summarily

Winnable game for United, but the team was not aggressive enough, and lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The defence remains a suspect, and that was reflected by the kind of goal the team conceded and on a number of occasions.