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Player Ratings: A-League All Stars 1-5 Manchester United

by Tom Parker

Anders Lindegaard 5: In truth, it was a quiet afternoon from the Danish stopper. However, he was arguably at fault for AAS’s solitary goal and he seems to really struggle to save shots which are low to the floor, similar to West Brom on the final day. His kicking was rather erratic also and a few decent claims from crosses were the only comfort to a rather poor performance from the 29-year-old. Shaky.

Rafael 6: More subdued than his usual self which is understandable given it’s a relatively early stage of pre-season. Made one brilliant block on the edge of the box, denying a certain goal and was put through on goal in the second half only to fire disappointingly wide.

Rio Ferdinand 6: Was aerially dominant from the outset and never looked anything but comfortable. The experienced centre-back was rarely tested apart from being caught out of position after a rare foray forward saw him lose possession.

Phil Jones 6: A solid performance from big Phil who lasted the full 90 minutes in Sydney. Was perhaps a little too eager to win the ball in the opening stages. Saw a towering header come close to opening the scoring and like Ferdinand was rarely tested by the best of the A-League.

Patrice Evra 7: Could easily have had a hat-trick in the first half but squandered a trio of brilliant chances direct from corner kicks. Was replaced after sustaining a knock after a somewhat risky high challenge but recovered and had a hand in United’s third goal. The Frenchman’s expert dummy run afforded Lingard an extra few yards of space to rifle home.

Michael Carrick 6: By no means his best showing in a United shirt but no matter how he’s playing, Carrick can be relied upon to provide a steady base from which to build. His passing was pinpoint as ever and his positioning was faultless. A tackle won 40 yards from goal led to Lingard’s opener.

Tom Cleverley 8: One of only a handful to last the entire game and it was a return to the form of the opening stages of last season. Cleverley’s tackling was good and he was a combative, dynamic presence in the centre of the park. A man who certainly has a lot to prove with the signing of a midfielder likely. Seemed suited to the high tempo, high pressing style.

Wilfried Zaha 8: Tricky from the outset, Zaha impressed on his first start for David Moyes’ side. His crossing was excellent and the 20-year-old was unlucky not to cap his impressive display with a debut goal, firing wide twice. Extremely encouraging displays on the tour so far. Zaha never shied away from taking on the full-back and is destined to have a big role if he can continue in this current vein of form.

Ryan Giggs 7: Played behind the striker and was involved from the outset. The veteran assisted the first three goals before being replaced of which his deft touch for Danny Welbeck was the pick, laying an easy finish on the plate for Welbeck. A few passes were wayward but overall, it was a solid display from the Welshman.

Jesse Lingard 9: Dream stuff from the surprise inclusion in the pre-season squad. His first goal was a display of ruthless finishing and composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with ease. Lingard’s second was a thing of beauty, picking the ball up on the left-hand side of the box before powering into the top corner of the net. Should have added another and was fantastic throughout from the left midfield position.

Danny Welbeck 8: Two goals don’t exactly tell the full story of an overall impressive display. His first was much-needed, having not scored since February and struggling in front of goal against Singha All Stars. It was no easy finish but it was dispatched confidently. Welbeck could have had three or four in the first half. Scored with his head after the restart, but only after squandering another chance after rounding the goalkeeper. The goals should provide a confidence boost, but one feels the forward must begin to find the net more regular.

Substitutes

Michael Keane 5: His first few minutes nearly led to a disaster with a loose pass nearly leading to a goal and he should have done better for AAS’s opener as he was guilty of not getting tight enough to his man. Apart from this, he was rarely tested and his partnership with Jones could be one seen more often in the future.

Fabio 5: Replaced Evra late on and had very little impact on the game from his preferred position of left back.

Anderson 5: Another late change and was fairly ineffectual. Was guilty of a momentary loss of concentration which led to a breakdown in an attack in the dying embers of the game but stamped his authority on midfield with his physical presence.

Adnan Januzaj 7: After a more than impressive debut last week, Januzaj picked up where he left off. His passing range was good and the youngster was unlucky not to get onto the score sheet, striking a post with a close-range effort. Demonstrated superb composure to tee up van Persie for the final goal. Showing great promise and really is a little gem of a player with a huge future.

Robin van Persie 7: Came on for Giggs and had a hand in United’s final two goals. A brilliant corner was met by a looping Danny Welbeck header and the Dutchman then scored by stabbing home with his right foot after being afforded a second bite of the cherry. A promising first performance by the mercurial forward who has been earmarked to have another huge season.

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