David de Gea – 7
Had a quiet day despite all the pressure Middlesbrough put on United. Produced a superb save from Gaston Ramirez in the first-half. Could do nothing about Middlesbrough’s goal.
Antonio Valencia – 7.5
Had a decent game at right-wing back. Dealt with the threat down the flank and was rewarded for his hard work with a goal late on. Looked at ease in the new formation.
Eric Bailly – 6.5
Made a couple of early mistakes. His influence grew as the game wore on and recovered from the aforementioned mistakes early on. Could have dealt with the second ball that led to the opposition goal.
Chris Smalling – 5
It was another characteristic Smalling performance. Looked uncomfortable at the heart of United’s defense and was at fault for the Middlesbrough’s ball. He had the Comic Moment of the match as he did a Phil Jones shortly into the second half sending Twitter into meltdown.
Phil Jones – 6
Put in a decent shift. Was easily United’s best center-back and time and time again covered up for his teammates errors. Was comfortable dealing with crosses and held United’s back 3 almost single-handedly at times.
Ashley Young – 7.5
Had an excellent match. Young did not look like he was making his first league start since November. Made space for himself before putting in a pinpoint cross at the back post. Used his experience and did well for himself at left-wingback.
Marouane Fellani – 8
Put in a good shift and won headers left, right and center (as he should). Excellent movement for the goal. Provided that extra defensive cover as Boro pressed for an equalizer but his positional play can be better. All in all a good day at the office for the BIG Belgian.
Michael Carrick – 8
Another tidy performance in the center of the park. Expressed himself well and used his experience to calm things down as the tempo increased. He held things defensively as Fellaini ventured forward and made vital interceptions as the game progressed.
Jesse Lingard – 8.5
The best player on the pitch. Was constantly involved until replaced by Martial in the 80th minute. Looked sharp and played a number of delicious balls through for Rashford and co. Scored a SCREAMER for his first of the campaign. United fans hope he will be okay after taking a knock late on.
Juan Mata – 6.5
Created lots of trouble for the Boro players with his free role behind Rashford but looked fatigued as the game wore on. Played a wonderful ball for Rashford who couldn’t finish from 6 yards out. Taken off later on as Mourinho looked to shore things at the back.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Had an excellent game minus the goal. It was a typical Rashford game this season as he put in an excellent shift but couldn’t find the break through. Yet another pointer that his finishing needs a little bit of work. But his pace, positivity and directness asked a lot questions of the Boro defense.
SUBSTITUTES
Marcos Rojo – 7
Another good solid performance from the rejuvenated Argentinian. He finally looks like a United player. His arrival calmed things down at the back and made some crunching tackles. Applied himself well in the half an hour he played.
Anthony Martial – NA
Matteo Darmian – NA
SUBS NOT USED: Sergio Romero, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Luke Shaw, Timothy Fosu-Mensah