In the end it was a walk in the (St James’) park for United, but who really starred and who only strolled? Stephen Ord has your TF ratings from our most comfortable of 4-0 wins against Palace.
***
Nick Pope – 7
Never really had anything to do but make one save low down in the second half and another from a free kick. Very quiet day at the office, but came up big when he needed to. Was I the only one who skipped a beat when he let Schar’s pass roll past him?
Kieran Trippier – 9
Made the first and third, called for the ball and played Murphy through first time for the fourth. The leader, this is his team and his standard of play has raised the levels of everyone around him. Outstanding again today, could give him this score every week.
Jamal Lascelles – 7
Played everything and was even prepared to take risks and go on a wander with the ball at his feet. Bar letting Mateta get free from the early corner, he was robust and solid. Harsh on him, but when we know when fit Botman is straight back in.
Fabian Schär – 8
Playing out of position but continues to look better and better. The delicate chip into Longstaff that wouldn’t sit down for him to score. His pass for goals one and two were fantastic and his defence was so solid today, there was no need for any time down clutching his head.
Dan Burn – 7
Struggled twice when players got goal side of him but managed each time to get back into a position to impact the shot or cross. His attacking play is still limited, but when it comes he is clearly aware of all the patterns and runs. The link up with Gordon is improving quickly.
Sean Longstaff – 7
The new normal for Longstaff. Everywhere, scored one – could have had three. A shot from a sand wedge chip by Schar and then a header at the back post which ended up further away from goal. The goal was excellent from him to make the run, see the chance, and slot it home. He really is one of our own and he’s bloody class.
Bruno Guimarães – 8
Taunted Palace players into fouls. Beat one Palace midfielder (Will Hughes possibly) with a swivel of his hips but no change in direction, without touching the ball. Lerma quickly clattered him. Hooked to save him for Weds. Back to his best.
Joelinton – 7
Back to provide the ballast and muscle in midfield. Two slightly over hit Trippier crosses probably stopped him getting on the scoresheet today. It’s hard to remember him being a striker, but playing like this, it’s hard to believe we ever doubted his ability.
Jacob Murphy – 8
One goal, two assists. His smile would have been as wide as the river when he got back in the dressing room. He definitely didn’t mean his goal, but the cross for Gordon was perfect and the ball for Wilson spectacular. You know we won’t see him in midweek, but he looks ten times the player he did under Rafa or Bruce.
Callum Wilson – 7
Played his part by stretching the back line. Felt like he was inches away from being in three or four times in the first half. Second half he got his goal and was coming a bit deeper to then turn and go. I can’t get over how many goals he’s got (16 in his last 21) – just an exceptional goal scorer.
Anthony Gordon – 8
Probably would’ve had my man of the match had Trippier not been so good. One off the bar, tucked the next one in. Turned Joel Ward into sour cream, he was that far off him. Absolutely brilliant to see him firing on all cylinders again after an enforced break against West Ham.
Subs
Tino Livramento – 6 (for Trippier)
Came on, didn’t have to really do anything. Anything he did, he did ok. Good to see him getting minutes.
Sandro Tonali – 6 (for Bruno)
Biggest cheer of the game greeted his arrival. Again very little to do but press and probe in the midfield. Will be pleased that he is back doing what he does best.
Miguel Almirón – 7 (for Murphy)
Got in, should’ve scored. Didn’t but looked full of running. Felt like he was trying to prove he should have started. No need Miggy, save it for another time.
Alexander Isak – 6 (for Wilson)
Got frustrated that nobody gave him a chance to stretch tired legs and run beyond the back line. He’ll have a point to prove on Weds against the only team where it never really worked out for him.
Elliot Anderson – 6 (for Joelinton)
Again did nothing wrong, just didn’t really have anything to do. Game was won.
Stephen Ord @smord84
