Following on from United’s thrashing of bitter rivals Liverpool, expectations were high for the Reds in Melbourne.
Seeing the side go 1-0 down within five minutes naturally came as a shock. United’s weak press was broken and despite having barely touched the ball, Melbourne Victory had a goal after getting in behind United’s backline.
The rest of the half played out as expected in terms of possession, with United dominating heavily and Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial pulled goals back.
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In the second half, United were even more dominant and Marcus Rashford added a third, before Tahith Chong forced an own goal from Melbourne to make it 4-1.
Here is how UtdDistrict rated the Reds’ performance against Melbourne:
Tom Heaton - 5/10
Maybe could’ve done better for the goal.
Diogo Dalot - 7/10
Linked up excellently with Jadon Sancho and created some very good opportunities. Played in the ball that led to Martial’s goal.
Victor Lindelöf - 6/10
Was comfortable in possession once again and mostly solid on the defensive end, although was caught too high for Melbourne’s goal.
Harry Maguire - 6/10
As expected was comfortable in possession, but played Melbourne onside in the build up to their goal and didn’t have the speed to catch up.
Luke Shaw - 6/10
Caught out of position when Melbourne countered for the goal. Played some dangerous crosses.
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Scott McTominay - 7/10
Scored after having had a couple of big chances that he was unlucky not to score due to Melbourne’s last-ditch defending. Could have done better defending transitions at times though.
Fred - 6/10
Was too trigger-happy with his shooting after his goal vs Liverpool and wasted possession a couple of times as a result. Played some good passes and aided United’s build up though.
Jadon Sancho - 9/10
Did not score or assist today, but was unlucky not to having sent Bruno Fernandes through on goal with an excellent pass. Linked up brilliantly with Dalot and got the crowd off their feet with some nice pieces of skill.
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Bruno Fernandes - 7/10
Was unlucky not to score when Jadon Sancho played him through, with the keeper making an excellent save. Played some clever passes as expected and often dropped deep to help United progress through Melbourne's stubborn block.
Anthony Elanga - 6/10
Ten Hag was heard shouting at Elanga to make the run in behind a few times, although managed to get an assist for Martial’s goal.
Anthony Martial - 8/10
Martial kicked on from his excellent performance against Liverpool with another goal in Melbourne having capitalised on Elanga’s mishit shot excellently. His ability in possession was on full show, often disrupting Melbourne's rest defence as he drifted between the lines and looked to drive his way through on the half turn.
Second half XI:
Ethan Laird - 7/10
Impressive outing from the highly-rated youngster. Should he curb his injury issues from recent years, he could easily provide an internal solution to United's search for another right back
Eric Bailly - 7/10
Followed on from an excellent performance in Bangkok with another good defensive display in Melbourne, Ten Hag's aggressive defensive style seems to suit him perfectly. Had some sloppy moments on the ball but made up for them with a sublime assist for Marcus Rashford. Making a good case to start.
Alex Telles - 6/10
Once again playing as a makeshift left centre back, Telles had another solid outing for United.
Tyrell Malacia - 6/10
Another solid outing for United's new signing, almost picked up an assist with an excellent cross to Marcus Rashford.
Zidane Iqbal - 7/10
Iqbal came into the second half riding a wave of confidence after his impressive outing against Liverpool, and it was clear to see in his play. If he continues to perform at his current level it will be difficult to ignore him when the season begins.
Charlie Savage - 7/10
Savage's range of passing was on full show in yet another impressive outing in midfield. At his current rate, he will far eclipse his dad in football.
Tahith Chong - 6/10
Once one of United's most highly-anticipated youngsters, Chong has been unlucky with injuries in recent years. A solid outing for the Dutchman as he looks to get his United career going. Forced United's 4th goal with some excellent wingplay.
Marcus Rashford - 8/10
Came on with the captain's armband in the second half and scored a fantastic goal to top off a strong outing. Looks to be returning to his best level, which every United fan hopes to see.
Donny van de Beek - 6/10
Pressed very well but on the ball was once again somewhat uninvolved. Has quality, and Ten Hag understands it better than anyone, but must start imposing himself on games a little more.
Amad Diallo - 7/10
Amad was once again deployed as a false nine and his technical quality was on show once again. The youngster looks to have a bright future at United.
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Erik Ten Hag, Scott Mctominay, Marcus Rashford
Yusuf Haq