Player Ratings: Rashford shines in Man United’s four-star victory over Chelsea

On an incredible afternoon for Manchester United, Ole Gunner Solskjaer men humiliated Chelsea, getting four goals past the former champions.

Marcus Rashford got a brace while Anthony Martial and substitute James got the other as the Old Trafford giants got their 2019/20 season to an excellent start on an ugly day for Frank Lampard.

Soccernet x-rays the performance of players from both sides.

Manchester United, 4-2-3-1

David De Gea, 7.5

Tested a few times in a frantic and exciting first half, although he was lucky the goal post came to his rescue when Tammy’s shot beat him flat and when Emerson’s drive had him beaten. Made a few decent saves and kept a clean sheet.

Wan-Bissaka, 7

Solid, strong, tireless and dependable, the young fullback gave a performance that merited his huge transfer fee.

Victor Lindelof, 7

He was always going to be the most natural partner for Maguire and his calm head against Chelsea gave United a confident, solid base to build on.

Harry Maguire, 7.5

The most expensive defender in the world put on the Red Devils jersey for the first time and he didn’t disappoint.

Luke Shaw, 6.5

The fullback took a huge step forward last term and has started well again this time. He offered defensive solidity throughout and was a willing runner supporting the attack time and again. Unlucky not to get an assist.

Pereira, 7.5

Lively in possession, decent with the drop balls. His technical ability was evident as he drew fouls regularly. Zouma got a yellow card off him. Got a well deserved assist for Martial’s goal to cap a fine afternoon.

McTominay, 7

A really impressive performance from the lad, keeping things simple and ticking for the home side in midfield.

Paul Pogba, 8.5

United’s best player last year by a mile, the French World Cup winner started sluggishly but grew into the game. He became more influential after his side took the lead. His lovely lob to assist Rashford’s second and his cute pass to assist James’ goal were the highlights of another proper performance.

Jesse Lingard, 6.5

What an exciting, enterprising display from the United midfielder. Always available to receive the pass, decent on the turn and willing to carry the ball forward at pace. He tired out late on and was replaced.

Marcus Rashford, 9.5

Too nimble for Zouma as he won a penalty off the Frenchman, then had the composure to get back up and slammed the ball home to give United the lead. His pace for the second goal then made the Chelsea defenders look like a pair of snails before slotting past Kepa. Brilliant display.

Marcus Rashford’s goal vs Chelsea (1-0)

https://t.co/qvUgVGherT

— United Goals ⚽️ (@UnitedGoals__) August 11, 2019

Anthony Martial, 8.5
Had an early chance to put United ahead but lazily pass the ball to Kepa. Held the ball well upfront and relished the chance to be the Red Devils main striker. The Frenchman then showed good awareness to turn  home a decent Pereira cross in the second half to cushion United’s lead.

Chelsea, 4-2-3-1

Kepa, 5.5

Called into action early as Zouma’s misplaced pass allowed Martial to take aim. Easy enough stop for the Blues number one though. He picked the ball out of his net three more times and would have hoped for better on a bad day for Chelsea at the office.

Emerson, 5.5

Never stopped running down the left flank. He was decent in defence and also offered himself as a pass option in attack. Had no answer to the unmarked United player who laid the assist for the game’s second goal.

Azpilicueta, 5.5

The skipper was particular poor with his delivery into the opponent’s box not up to scratch most of the time.

Kurt Zouma, 5

Silly with the tackle that gave away the penalty and ultimately the game’s opener. Should simply have stayed on his feet. An afternoon to forget in defence for the Frenchman as United’s attackers ran rings around him and his centre-back partner.

Christensen, 5.5

Did well in the air but struggled whenever United’s fast attackers brought the ball forward at pace. Threw himself to block a few Man United shots and looked like his partnership with Zouma could thrive if the odd errors are cleaned out. Was nowhere to be found as Rashord ran free to slam the third goal past the keeper.

Jorginho, 6.5

Jorginho was easily Chelsea’s best player in the first half. His amazing football brain constantly helped him see the next movement before he received the ball. He kept the Chelsea midfield organized and had both Pogba and McTominay chasing shadows. Earned his yellow card in the second half.

https://www.twitter.com/christian_nix45/status/1160587386167988230

Kovacic, 5.5

Unseen and average for the most part but his main job was to neutralize the dangers a free roaming Pogba could pose which he did admirably in the first half before losing his way completely in the second half. He offered next to nothing to the team’s attack.

Mason Mount, 5

Did pretty well for his Old Trafford debut but his inexperience showed at times as he was often caught between the indecisive calls of whether to pass the ball or shoot at goal. Should have gotten a goal or at least an assist. Replaced as the going got tough for the youngster.

Mason Mount's a talented player but he's not strong enough yet for the prem. Been consistantly bodied throughout this game

— Readie (@ReadieQB9) August 11, 2019

Ross Barkley, 6

Tasked with taking up the Eden Hazard role but didn’t have the talent or close ball control to pull it off. Didn’t create many chances for Abraham to work on.

Pedro, 6.5

Got a couple of shots away in the first half as the visitors held their own for the most part. The first half penalty and goal conceded seemed to drain Lampard’s men of their confidence, but the Spaniard was one of the few who never stopped trying.

Tammy Abraham, 6

Found himself unmarked in the opening minutes but was unlucky to see his early shot rattle the post from the edge of the box when De Gea was clearly beaten.

Substitutes

Man United

James, 7

Thrown into the party with 20 minutes left to play but the youngster still showed tremendous composure under pressure to finish past Kepa for United’s fourth. A debut goal for one with a bright future.

So yeah, this happened…

▪️ Replaces @AndrinhoPereira to a great reception
▪️ Scores via a deflected strike just moments later

INSTANT. IMPACT! #MUFC #MUNCHE pic.twitter.com/OPXmntCEO5

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 11, 2019

Juan Mata, N/A

Chelsea

Christian Pulisic, 5.5

Beautiful talent on the ball who requires two opponent players to stop him when at full flow. Had thirty minutes to try influence the match to no avail.

Kante, N/A

Giroud, N/A