Manchester United 2-1 Middlesbrough: See How Jose Mourinho’s Boys Excelled
Jan 1, 2017 at 12:07 AM
Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba scored late in the second half as Manchester United came from 1-0 down to beat a spirited Middlesbrough side 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Despite dominating the proceedings, Jose Mourinho’s side fell behind after Grant Leadbitter nodded home from Alvaro Negredo’s knock down in the 67th minute. In a game that saw Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba hitting the posts and a Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal getting ruled out for a high boot challenge on Victor Valdes, United were looking well set to squander another great opportunity to bag the three points. However, Martial and Pogba struck within two minutes to help United extend their winning run to five games. Martial poked in a Zlatan Ibrahimovic knock down in the 85 minute before his compatriot Pogba headed in the winner from a Juan Mata cross.
Let us see how Jose Mourinho’s men fared in the last game of 2016:
David de Gea: 6.5/10
The Spain international remained at ease for the majority of the game and could do little to stop Leadbitter’s opening goal.
Antonio Valencia: 7/10
Troubled George Friend throughout the match with some dangerous runs, was spot on with the defending too.
Daley Blind: 6/10
Struggled against Adama Traore’s pace, did not look confident while crossing. Was booked in the second half before being substituted in the 64th minute.
Chris Smalling: 6.5/10
Was responsible for Middlesbrough’s goal as he lost Negredo who easily knocked down the ball to help Leadbitter score the opener. Was replaced shortly after the mistake but apart from that the England international had a decent game.
Eric Bailly: 7/10
Easily the most impressive defender on the field, Bailly began the game shakily but regained his composure as the game wore on.
Marouane Fellaini: 6.5/10
A surprise inclusion in the starting eleven, the former Everton midfielder was providing the balls in the third half but his finishing left a lot to be desired. Was substituted in the 64th minute.
Ander Herrera: 6/10
Did little to win Mourinho’s faith. Struggled to keep the possession in the midfield and was partly responsible for Middlesbrough’s goal as he failed to track Leadbitter’s run.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 7/10
A goal was the only thing missing for him as he once again proved his worth with a clinical display. Linked up well with Pogba and Ibrahimovic and also forced a save from Valdes in the first half.
Anthony Martial: 8.5/10
Undoubtedly the best United player on the pitch, the French international deservedly hit the equaliser. Also, hit the woodwork in the first half and was a constant threat with his searing runs.
Paul Pogba: 8/10
A fine night for the world’s most expensive player. Kept the Boro defenders on their feet throughout the match with some smart passing, hit the post in the first half with an overhead kick before scoring the winner in the second half. He also played a role in Martial’s goal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 7/10
Was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet as his goal was wrongly ruled out due to a foul. Knocked down the ball to help Martial score the equaliser.
Substitutes:
Marco Rojo: 7/10
Juan Mata: 7.5/10
Marcus Rashford: 7/10