December 24, 2024

Man Utd player ratings: Rashford is unplayable, Martinez makes welcome return but Elanga fails to take his chance

Elanga #Elanga

MANCHESTER UNITED got past Charlton to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final after a double off the bench by Marcus Rashford.

A stunning goal from Antony gave the Red Devils the lead in the first-half.

Marcus Rashford has continued his amazing run of form

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Marcus Rashford has continued his amazing run of formCredit: Getty Anthony Elanga struggled while playing up front

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Anthony Elanga struggled while playing up frontCredit: Getty

Before super-sub Marcus Rashford scored twice late in the game to make it EIGHT home games in a row in which he has netted.

The England striker’s interventions made the scoreline more flattering for a United side who were not at their best.

Meanwhile, there was also a moment of concern in the first-half when Diogo Dalot went off injured.

SunSport’s Martin Blackburn looked at who played well and who didn’t against Charlton.

Tom Heaton – 7

Twenty years after he first signed for the club, he finally got his first team debut. Not many shots to save but the veteran’s handling was secure on his big night.

Diogo Dalot – 6

Fired an early effort over but just his second start since the World Cup ended early due to another injury. Replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka on 34 mins.

Harry Maguire – 6

Club captain given another start and another clean sheet but one or two hairy moments again – and rightly booked for clumsy foul on Sessegnon.

Lisandro Martinez – 7

First start since winning the World Cup and like he’d never been away with a couple of trademark crunching tackles and organising at the back.

Tyrell Malacia – 6

Linked up well with Garnacho down the left. Booked late on for a foul which could have proved costly for the hosts. 

Scott McTominay – 6

Found starts hard to come by this season – and helped United take control in the middle. Could have settled any nerves but saw late shot blocked.

Fred – 7

Played ball out to Anthony for the opener and rattled the post with a sensational 25 yard free kick towards the end of first half. Made way for Eriksen on the hour.

Antony – 7

Curled home a beauty for the opening goal and went close again after the break.

Looked a threat yet his reluctance to use his right peg is surely a concern.  Subbed off the hour. 

Kobbie Mainoo, aged only 17, made his first senior Manchester United start

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Kobbie Mainoo, aged only 17, made his first senior Manchester United startCredit: Getty Kobbie Mainoo – 5

Teen midfielder given a chance after impressing in the friendlies in Spain last month. Some nice touches and showed signs of promise before being replaced by the more experienced Casemiro. 

Alejandro Garnacho – 7

Nice pull back for Dalot and saw early an shot deflected wide. Young Argentine wideman gets crowd off their seats and looks to have a bright future.

Anthony Elanga – 5

Played as a centre forward but barely touched the ball in the first half and saw a goal chalked off for offside after the re-start.  Not a natural down the middle. 

Subs Aaron Wan-Bissaka (on for Dalot, 34 mins) – 6 Marcus Rashford (on for Antony, 60 mins) – 8

The England international made an impact again – what a run of form he’s having.

He’s now scored in United’s last eight games consecutively.

Casemiro (on for Mainoo, 60 mins) – 6 Christian Eriksen (on for Fred, 60 mins) – 6 Facundo Pellestri (on for Elanga, 84 mins) – 6

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