Man Utd ratings: Marcus Rashford continues fine run of form with winning goal but Casemiro’s silly red costs him 3 games
MARCUS RASHFORD continued his fine form in front of goal, netting the winner in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, while star man Casemiro’s silly red card will see him miss THREE games.
Manchester United came into the Premier League clash on a high off the back of reaching the Carabao Cup final.
And it took the Red Devils just seven minutes to get the ball rolling.
United were awarded a penalty-kick for handball, and captain Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from 12 yards.
Rashford then got in on the act with half-an-hour to go.
The England international tapped home Luke Shaw’s cross from close range.
Casemiro saw red just eight minutes after Rashford doubled United’s lead.
A rash challenge on Antony sparked a mass brawl.
The Brazilian then put his hands around Palace’s Will Hughes’ neck, resulting in a red card following a VAR review.
Casemiro will miss United’s next three Prem fixtures, including a Leeds double header and a home clash against Leicester.
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He WILL be back in time for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on February 26.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Red Devils’ performance.
David de Gea – 6
The visitors lack of ambition meant it was a quiet first half for the Spaniard.
Produced great save from Marc Guehi header in the second-half but could do nothing about goal second later from the resulting corner.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Continues with his high standard of performances since returning to the first team.
Shown particular improvement in getting involved in play further up field.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Another typically tenacious performance from the Argentine.
Nobody seems to mention his height anymore.
Raphael Varane -7
News that he was retiring from international football may not be good news for France but will be for United in the long term as they are always better when he plays.
Luke Shaw – 7
Another consistent performance from the England international who has fought off the challenge of Tyrell Malacia at left-back.
Provided the assist for Rashford’s goal.
Casemiro – 5
Silly red card as he got involved in a scuffle between both sets of players and grabbed Will Hughes round the neck.
Will be a big miss for the next three league games.
Fred – 6
While he cannot replicate the passing prowess of the injured Christian Eriksen he offers something different in his endless box to box running and involvement.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
With a hop, skip and jump, he sent Vicente Guaita the wrong way and gave United the early lead from the spot.
It was the 22nd penalty converted by him for United to go with just three misses.
Antony – 5
Good, but still not good enough.
Needs to offer much more from his attacking position wide on the right.
Understandably subbed when United were trying to hang on.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Celebrated being named Player of the Month for January by carrying on his good form into February slotting home the second goal, his 19th of the season.
Wout Weghorst – 5
Simply not the answer up front for United.
With Anthony Martial sidelined again, United would be better off with Rashford through the middle as they were when he shifted there and scored after Weghorst went off.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Weghorst, 59 min) – 6
Brought on to try and take the game back to Palace but subbed himself when they threatened to equalise against the ten men.
Marcel Sabitzer (for Antony, 81 min) – 6
On loan Bayern Munich midfielder came on to help United see the game out after Palace got back into it.
Harry Maguire (for Garnacho, 87 min) – 6
Brought on for sub Garnacho when United needed extra defensive bodies late on.
Victor Lindelof (for Wan-Bissaka, 87 min) – 6
Sent on for Wan Bissaka, at the same time as Maguire, in the right defensive position as United reverted to five at the back in the closing minutes.