Manchester United player ratings: Lukaku shines, Sanchez disappoints

After a 3-0 win over BSC Young Boys on matchday one, Jose Mourinho’s men were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford by Spanish outfit Valencia.

It was a match that promised a lot but did not live up to the expectations eventually as both the teams failed to break the deadlock.

While United edged ahead on possession, Valencia were the brighter of the two teams up front but let themselves down with some wayward shooting.

Jose Mourinho would have liked his team to pick up all three points as the Red Devils play host to Serie A giants Juventus on matchday three.

Manchester United player ratings

David De Gea (7/10)

The Spaniard did not have much to do as Valencia had only one shot on target, nevertheless a reliable presence at the back.

Luke Shaw (6.5/10)

Looked rock-solid in defence and made some good tackles and clearances. Did not get forward too frequently as most of the attacking play was initiated by Antonio Valencia from the other flank.

Chris Smalling (6.5/10)

Put up another good showing in the heart of the defence, often putting his body on the line to make a few blocks but could have done more with his positioning.

Eric Bailly (6/10)

The Ivorian had a decent game at the back and made a few clearances but sat back too deep at times, thus allowing the opposition to initiate the build-up play near the box.

Antonio Valencia (4/10)

Left acres of open space down the flanks for the opposition to exploit; ventured forward to no effect and did not track back in time to stem the flow of attacks.

Marouane Fellaini (6/10)

The Belgian fought hard in the central areas of the park and tried to use his strength to outmuscle the opposition. Geoffrey Kondogbia got the better of him at times and did not have the same impact as he usually does.

Nemanja Matic (6/10)

A solid display by the Serb. He played as a shield for the rearguard and helped the defence cut out the attacks but was guilty of sitting too deep at times which limited his impact in the attacking third.

Paul Pogba (5.5/10)

Tested the goalkeeper with a free-kick in the second half and that was his most notable contribution. Passed the ball around but did not show that intent and the energy to spark something brilliant.

Marcus Rashford (6.5/10)

Sent a low shot whistling wide of the post in the first half. Showed a lot of endeavour down the left but couldn’t find the finishing touch; largely disappointing with his set-pieces.

Alexis Sanchez (4.5/10)

Another bad day at the office for the Chilean. Teased the fans with flashes of promise but squandered possession in promising situations and failed to add any impetus to the attack.

Romelu Lukaku (7/10)

Showed a lot of energy in the final third. Good with his movement as he dropped deep and drifted wide at times to initiate the build-up play. Tested the goalkeeper in the second half with a shot across the face of the goal.

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Substitute

Anthony Martial (N/A)

Came on for Sanchez and tried to bully the defenders but did not have the time to make an impact.