Erik ten Hag’s men came back from a nervy start to win the Carabou Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Newcastle United on Sunday. Last Word on Football have put together our Manchester United player ratings after the Red Devils finally won their first trophy in six years.
Manchester United Player Ratings vs Newcastle United in Carabou Cup Final
Manchester United Player Ratings: The Starters
David De Gea – 8
He made an excellent save to deny Allan Saint-Maximin mid-way through the first half and showed his calmness and quality throughout. This game also saw him overtake Peter Schmeichel to become the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets (181) in Manchester United history.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Dalot struggled with the pace and trickery of Saint-Maximin and was subsequently booked early on. He was combative throughout, occupying an inverted position for the winning side, but was substituted at half-time.
Raphael Varane – 8
Imperious in defence throughout the 90 minutes, Varane was as ever assured on the ball, a towering figure of calmness alongside his more aggressive partner.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
A passionate display from the recent World Cup winner, he was always tight against his man and showed incredible fight throughout the game. He threw himself at everything.
Luke Shaw – 7
He was pinned back by Almiron and Trippier in the first half, but grew into the game as United looked to counter-attack. Delivered a beautiful ball in from a set piece to set up Casemiro for the first goal after a tight VAR call.
Casemiro – 9
A powerful presence in the Manchester United midfield. He was there to mop up behind Fred, breaking up Newcastle’s dominant play. Casemiro showed the elite mentality that has turned this side into a winning force this season throughout the game.
Fred – 7
Made a nuisance of himself by getting into more advanced positions. He ran after every ball, closing down Bruno Guimaraes on a number of occasions.
Antony – 6
Antony came back for his first start since Crystal Palace on February 4th and occupied the right wing well, often hugging the touchline and giving the Red Devils some much-needed width. He used his footwork to confuse Newcastle defenders on a number of occasions.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Fernandes got in between Newcastle’s lines trying to dictate play, but faded as the first half went on, and was wasteful with his passes in the second period.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Quiet for the first forty-five minutes and looked like he was carrying an injury. His shot deflected off of Sven Botman for the second goal.
Wout Weghorst – 8
His work ethic and link play were excellent, and he dictated the United play going forward in the first half. His pass to Rashford created the second goal.
Manchester United Player Ratings: The Substitutes
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8
Wan-Bissaka came on for Dalot and his ‘scoop’ tackles were stupendous. He followed Saint-Maximin tightly, snuffing out potential dangers, and was relied upon to make some crucial challenges.
Marcel Sabitzer – 6
Made a great tackle in the middle of the park and ably reinforced the midfield—a sign of things to come perhaps.
Scott McTominay – 6
Solid.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Replaced Antony and kept the ball well.
Harry Maguire N/A
Winning (co-)captain with Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United Player Ratings: The Manager
Erik Ten Hag – 8
He was tested from minute 1 to minute 90. Although United never looked like losing, the defensive stability that Ten Hag has instilled in his squad is extraordinary considering what it was this time last season. He has given his players the belief and spirit to go on and win important games. His substitutions were perfect once again, bolstering the midfield to hold out the threat of Newcastle’s forwards.
