Only 8 points; Hojlund ‘shuts down’

Andre Onana – 8 points

Man United’s defeat cannot overshadow the class of Andre Onana. The Cameroonian star had an excellent playing day. According to statistics from Whoscored, Onana has a total of 7 successful saves.

Onana frustrated Erling Haaland or Jack Grealish many times. The typical situation took place in the first half’s stoppage time. Haaland ran in and headed powerfully from Bernardo Silva’s cross.

Luck was on Man United’s side when Onana played excellently, flying as hard as he could to block a shot from Haaland.

Diogo Dalot – 6 points

The Portuguese defender had a nightmare match day. Dalot regularly faces the duo of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish. The fact that Dalot was overcome by his opponent and exploited an invisible position put Onana’s goal on alert.

At the end of the first half, Silva escaped and passed the ball to Haaland for a dangerous header. The same scenario repeated itself at the beginning of the second half. This time, Haaland took advantage of the success, increasing the score to 2-0 for Man City.

Harry Maguire – 6 points

Basically, Maguire had an okay performance. The English midfielder made two ball-clearing situations and promptly rescued the danger. Besides, Maguire won a number of aerial duels.

Jonny Evans – 6 points

Evans couldn’t stop Erling Haaland. The Northern Irish midfielder did not have any successful tackles or clearances throughout the 90 minutes. Many fans questioned Ten Hag’s decision to choose Evans as the starter in the context of Raphael Varane sitting on the bench.

Victor Lindelof – 6 points

Another controversial decision by Ten Hag. The Dutch strategist chose Lindelof to play the left back position, placing rookie Sergio Reguilon on the bench.

Reality shows that Ten Hag’s decision is not effective. Lindelof did not own any tackles, clearances, or interceptions during his time on the field. The Swedish star is also weak in terms of offensive support.

Christian Eriksen – 6 points

Eriksen left a highlight when he accurately passed a long pass across the line to Marcus Rashford. Unfortunately, Rashford was not able to take advantage of the opportunity successfully. In terms of defense, Eriksen is inferior to the mobility and flexibility of Man City’s midfield.

Sofyan Amrabat – 6 points

Amrabat could not block Silva and got into an argument with Phil Foden, leading to a yellow card. Right at the beginning of the second half, Ten Hag decided to take Amrabat off and replace him with Mason Mount.

According to former player Jamie Carragher, Ten Hag made a mistake when withdrawing Amrabat. Man United’s midfield has played poorly, revealing many gaps since the Moroccan midfielder left the field.

Scott McTominay – 7 points

McTominay cannot help Man United’s midfield match Man City’s. The Scottish star had a dangerous shot at the end of the first half, forcing goalkeeper Ederson Moraes to block the ball.

Bruno Fernandes – 6 points

The Portuguese midfielder had a lackluster, ineffective performance that affected Man United’s attacking style of play. Former player Gary Nevillel criticized Fernandes:

“Fernandes is a great talent. However, he could not command anyone in the match against Man City. Man United became undisciplined. It all starts with the captain.”

Marcus Rashford – 6 points

Three Lions players played poorly. Rashford missed a good opportunity in the second half. In the 68th minute, Eriksen accurately threw a long ball to Rashford. The English striker neatly controlled the ball before shooting and sending the ball wide of Man City’s goal.

Rasmus Hojlund – 6 points

Hojlund played aggressively and enthusiastically but appeared inexperienced against seasoned players on Man City’s side. Minus point for Hojlund when he fouled Rodri leading to a penalty for Man City in the first half.

Mr. Nguyen | 10:46 October 30, 2023