Manchester United vs Leeds United: Player Ratings

By Joe Smith - July 17, 2019

Image from skysports.com

United’s first half starting XI

Sergio Romero - 7.0

Sergio had a neat and tidy first 45 with some solid goalkeeping, including a crucial save with his feet when United were 1.0 up.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 8.0

Another impressive run out from United’s new right-back signing, he was defensively sound snuffing out Leeds attacks down the left and making some crucial blocks and interceptions. He also put in a fine low cross for United’s first.

Victor Lindelof - 7.5

Seems to be the leader in the back four during the first half, he marshalled the back line well, while looking good on the ball.

Eric Bailly - 7.0

He will have been happy to have come through 45 minutes unscathed. He partnered Victor Lindelof well, making some important interceptions.

Marcos Rojo - 6.5

Shoehorned in to the team today to get some minutes in to his legs, however left back is not really his position and offered the team very little.

Scott McTominay - 7.5

Scott showed great energy as always in United’s midfield today, he broke up plenty of Leeds attacks in the centre of the park whilst winning some fouls along the way. He made a lung busting, counter attacking run which ended with a well timed pass that set up Marcus Rashford for United’s second goal.

Paul Pogba - 7.5

Tried to control the midfield area today and in the main did a good job. He looked powerful through the middle and got off a number of dangerous strikes, some of them forcing a save from the Leeds keeper. Sometimes he was a little wasteful in possession but he did play a fantastic ball to Wan-Bissaka to start the move for the first goal of the game.

Juan Mata - 6.5

The Spanish midfielder captained the team in the first half today and aside from a few nice touches and little passes he was pretty quiet.

Mason Greenwood - 7.5

The young striker got his first goal for The Reds today, finishing a well worked move from close range. He put in a bright performance during the first 45 minutes and showed everyone his potential.

Dan James - 7.0

James again showed what he will bring to United this season, with his raw pace. James made plenty of threatening runs off the ball, none more dangerous than a counter attack where he ran the length of the pitch to be put through on goal by Rashford but was unfortunate to see his shot hit the outside of the post.

Marcus Rashford - 8.0

Rashford is a bit behind everyone else in terms of the amount of training he’s been able to get through on this tour so far, but you wouldn’t know it watching his performance today. He was involved in all of United’s good attacking play and his skill and finish to get the second goal was sublime.

United’s second half XI:

Joel Pereira - 6.5

Joel Pereira had nothing to during the second half, the shots that Leeds did have failed to hit the target.

Diogo Dalot - 6.5

Diogo had very little impact on the game. I think he would have benefited from playing left back in United’s first half team as oppose to Rojo who played there.

Chris Smalling - 7.0

Chris combined well with Phil Jones at the heart of the defence to ensure that they maintained United’s clean sheet during the second half.

Phil Jones - 8.0

Phil Jones built on a strong performance first time out against Perth Glory. He made some great interceptions in defence and showed good energy and confidence to make some strong runs from the back. He got United’s third with a fine header from a corner his first goal for the club since 2014.

Ashley Young - 6.5

Ashley took the captains armband for the second 45. He had little impact on the game and gave the ball away too easily. He just doesn’t get up and down the pitch well enough for the team.

Nemanja Matic - 6.5

A steady performance from the Serbian providing good protection for the back four. However. it’s questionable whether he will be able to play the game at the tempo Solskjaer will be looking for this season.

Andreas Pereira - 7.5

A promising, tenacious performance from Andreas in the midfield. He did not shirk a tackle and showed his quality on the ball. His delivery from the corner for United’s third was right on the money for Jones to head home. It’s a big season for the Brazilian, he could get plenty of playing time this campaign to finally show his potential.

Angel Gomes - 7.5

An impressive performance playing in a number 10 position. He looked a threat every time he was on the ball. You can see that he has the ability to create in the final third and on another day he could have had a couple of goals after some promising openings.

Tahith Chong - 7.5

A more composed display from the young man today he just needs to keep his game simple sometimes. You get the impression he’s desperate to impress every time he plays and would be better served just relaxing on the pitch and letting his natural talent flow. It was his good pace and trickery that forced the penalty for United’s fourth.

Jesse Lingard - 6.0

Conspicuous by his absence it seemed. He was hardly involved in the game and when he was he was very poor. He seems a long way off the pace at the moment.

Anthony Martial - 7.0

Anthony scored the fourth goal from the spot, slotting the ball home well in to the bottom corner. He was useful in some of United’s build up play. But Solskjaer will be wanting more from the Frenchman, there are still question marks whether United's new approach of a high intensity pressing game will suit his style long term and if not whether he can adapt as a player to fit in to the team.