December 28, 2024

Man Utd ratings: Pogba stars with United winner and Bailly shines again but Wan-Bissaka and Shaw struggle

Bailly #Bailly

PAUL POGBA was the match-winner as Manchester United overhauled Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

But full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw were far less impressive as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men grafted to a 1-0 triumph at Burnley.

Paul Pogba peaked his man-of-the-match performance with a deflected winner

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Paul Pogba peaked his man-of-the-match performance with a deflected winnerCredit: Getty Images – Getty Aaron Wan-Bissaka soared well for this header but otherwise failed to rise to the standards Man Utd might need to stay top of the Prem

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka soared well for this header but otherwise failed to rise to the standards Man Utd might need to stay top of the Prem Credit: AP:Associated Press Man Utd midfielder Bruno Fernandes measures an effort on goal

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Man Utd midfielder Bruno Fernandes measures an effort on goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

SunSport’s Jordan Davies gives his player-by-player lowdown on United, who fielded Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in attack, ahead of England star Mason Greenwood.

Here’s how they all rated – including another encouraging display for Eric Bailly alongside Harry Maguire in central defence.

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David De Gea – 6

Had very little to do in terms of shot-stopping.

But his distribution with his hands was impressive, and set Pogba away in midfield on several occasions to spark counter-attacks.

Aaron Wan Bissaka – 5

Was targeted by Burnley’s attackers and struggled aerially to deal with the diagonal ball.

Did very little in attack as well.

Harry Maguire – 7

Was unlucky to have his header ruled out for a push on Erik Pieters.

But the skipper led by example and marshalled his troops well as United continued to probe from the back.

Eric Bailly – 7

Made two crucial blocks to deny Chris Wood and Matej Vydra in the first half and seemed unflustered by Burnley’s direct approach.

Looks to have put his injury worries behind him which can only be good news heading into a tough run of games.

Luke Shaw  – 5

Extremely lucky not to be shown a red card for a reckless challenge in the first half.

Got forward well but lacked any end product from out wide.

Paul Pogba – 8

Was a gradual influence on the game but was hindered in the first half by defensive duties.

He was let off the leash after the break and rewarded Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a fine volley through the legs of Nick Pope.

Nemanja Matic – 7

Did his job in front of the back four well and looked steady on the ball.

Alongside the likes of Pogba and Maguire was an imposing presence at set pieces and barely put a foot wrong.

Marcus Rashford – 6

Struggled out on the left to have any real impact on the game as Burnley looked to suffocate the United front line.

As space came more freely in the second half, Rashford took advantage with a neat chip from the left to tee up Pogba’s winner.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

Cut a frustrated figure in the opening stages, and picked up a yellow card for whining at the referee.

By his usually high standards it was an off night, but still contributed with his persistence on the ball.

Anthony Martial – 6

Missed a few glorious opportunities, but his link up play with Cavani was promising.

Was lucky not to be subbed off – and will be hoping Ole remains trusting of his abilities for this weekend’s trip to Anfield.

Edinson Cavani – 6

Fluffed a glorious chance to snatch the lead early in the second half, and almost drew a red card for Robbie Brady when he was put in on goal.

Will be disappointed with his output.

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Man Utd left-back Luke Shaw tussles with Burnley's Johann Berg Gudmundsson

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Man Utd left-back Luke Shaw tussles with Burnley’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson Credit: PA:Press Association Paul Pogba seems to have his eye off the ball in this exchange with Burnley counterpart Robbie Brady but had his eye in later for the winner

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Paul Pogba seems to have his eye off the ball in this exchange with Burnley counterpart Robbie Brady but had his eye in later for the winnerCredit: AFP

SUBS

Mason Greenwood – 6

Brought on for Rashford with 10 minutes remaining but had very few chances to showcase his talents.

Scott McTominay (for Fernandes) – 89 mins.

Tuanzebe (for Martial) – 90+5 mins.

Anthony Martial launches into this spectacular effort for Man Utd

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Anthony Martial launches into this spectacular effort for Man UtdCredit: Getty – Pool Man Utd defender Harry Maguire saw this headed goal disallowed

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Man Utd defender Harry Maguire saw this headed goal disallowedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Man Utd duo Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly’s cele vs Burnley compared to legendary Ince and Giggs effort by Gary Neville

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