De Gea shines once again in latest United victory

David De Gea (8)

Could do nothing about the two Crystal Palace goals but my word he could on Benteke’s header at 2-2, and did just that. A save that allowed United to build momentum and eventually find the winner.

Antonio Valencia (5)

It was the Ecuadorian’s cross which started the comeback, but other than that there wasn’t any consistency to his game. Rightly subbed off just after the hour mark.

Chris Smalling (6)

Scored the significant goal which got United going, but still sloppy at the back and doesn’t have the ability to continually pass through to the midfield. Always sideways.

Victor Lindelof (6)

Improving as a centre back in England, getting used to the pace of the game. No better training ground in that sense than at Palace on a Monday night. Triumphed in most 50/50 battles.

Ashley Young (3)

Shipped for Shaw and rightly so. The need to drive into space as a left back is crucial and Young doesn’t have the stamina to do it. Needs to be dropped for Liverpool.

Nemanja Matic (8)

Scored one of United’s best goals this season. Struggled to keep the home side at bay, especially in the first half, but made up for it with a sumptuous strike.

Scott McTominay (6)

Weary performance in which a late challenge was the highlight. Again, he is young and will learn from that. Most importantly the man next to him bailed the team out.

Paul Pogba (6)

All the tricks and flicks but not the cutting edge ball or the killer pass. Tried too hard to be too clever and it created a narrow channel. Needs to use his astonishing football brain more.

Alexis Sanchez (4)

Probably his worst game in a United shirt. Gave the ball away on numerous occasions and never looked likely to work through the tiny amount of space he had to work in.

Romelu Lukaku (7)

The passion for his celebration at the third goal was something else. Netted 24th of the season in a very clever equaliser. Hitting form at right time with Liverpool at the weekend.

Jesse Lingard (5)

Not Lingard’s best performance but nevertheless his pace and desire troubled Palace’s back-line and pushed them back.

Substitutes:

Luke Shaw (7)

Drove into space and was a continual threat down the left side.

Juan Mata (7)

Neat little passes flummoxed the Palace eleven and created necessary pace for United to pounce.

Marcus Rashford (7)

United needed directness on the wing and Rashford delivered that. Could’ve scored within seconds of coming on.