International Break: United Players Rated and Slated

Here’s how the Manchester United players fared with their respective national teams during the recently concluded International break:

David de Gea- 5
Sat out the 5-0 thrashing of Costa Rica last week, but returned in goal for the 3-3 draw against World Cup 2018 hosts Russia. Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals, but given the scoreline, one feels that he surely could’ve done better than letting three goals in.

Sergio Romero- 6
Kept a clean sheet, making a couple of fine saves as Sergio Aguero’s late header secured a 1-0 win for Argentina against Russia. Was rested for the match against Nigeria in Krasnodar, which ended in a shock 4-2 loss for Sampaoli’s men, who very easily gave away a two-goal lead.

Nemanja Matic- NA
Didn’t travel to the Far East, and as a result, missed the 2-0 win over China and the 1-1 draw with South Korea.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan- 7.5
Scored two morale-raising goals within a week. Scored his side’s second goal in the 4-1 win over Belarus, and despite missing a first-half penalty, had a great game as he was also involved in a superb team move later in the match. Scored in his third successive international game, making no mistake from the spot this time as his side edged Cyprus 3-2.

Phil Jones- 6
Was having a great game before he aggravated his thigh injury and was subbed off in the 25th minute against Germany. Headed Leroy Sane’s effort off the line shortly before being replaced by Joe Gomez. Looks unlikely to feature in the weekend game against Newcastle United.

Ashley Young- 6
Was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw against Germany, but came on for the final ten minutes in the goalless draw against Brazil. The cameo was his first appearance for England in over four years.

Daley Blind- 6.5
Played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Scotland, and occupied the midfield berth for 87 minutes in the 3-0 victory over Romania, as ex-Red Devil Memphis Depay scored in both the friendlies.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah- 6
Played really well and was substituted after 72 minutes in the win over Scotland. Was an unused substitute in the 3-0 win over Romania.

Anthony Martial- 7
Replaced Olivier Giroud after 71 minutes to help his side see out the 2-0 win over Wales. Started against Germany, and the young forward went on a mazy dribble before setting up Alexandre Lacazette’s opener in the first half.

Matteo Darmian- 6
Was involved for the full 180 minutes as Italy fell to a heart-breaking 1-0 aggregate loss over two legs. Played at left back, and despite looking off-the-pace, he was heavily involved in attack, completing inch-perfect crosses time and again.

Victor Lindelof- 7
Played superbly in both legs as Sweden qualified for the 2018 World Cup with a 1-0 aggregate win over Italy. Put in two solid displays as he kept two consecutive clean sheets.

Marcus Rashford- 6
Came on in the 75th minute for debutant Tammy Abraham in the 0-0 draw with Germany and his free-kick was just kicked over by Jesse Lingard. Played for 75 minutes against Brazil, and came close to scoring in the first half.

Jesse Lingard- 5.5
Came on in the 86th minute against Germany and managed to miss from Rashford’s free kick from close range.
Replaced the injured Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the first half against Brazil.

Romelu Lukaku- 8
Scored a brace as Belgium were held 3-3 by Mexico, and followed that up with another goal to help his side win 1-0 over Japan, with this goal meaning that he became Belgium’s all time top scorer at age 24 with 31 goals.