Manchester United player ratings: Jones’ night to forget, Fred the spectator, Pogba sapped of confidence, sub Rashford brings quality
Jose Mourinho won't have been impressed with his second-string Red Devils as they lost to Valencia at the Mestalla
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JOSE MOURINHO is unlikely to tweak his starting XI to face Liverpool after watching this.
Man United's visit to Valencia was a dead rubber, already qualified for the Champions League last-16, and a chance for reserves to impress. They didn't.
And defeat for the Red Devils was fully deserved.
Here, SunSport (rarely) rates and (regularly) slates Mourinho's surprisingly second-string side at the Mestalla:
SERGIO ROMERO
David de Gea need not worry. Argentine goalkeeper Romero was at fault for Valencia's second as he failed to communicate with the oncoming Phil Jones, leaving United two down and done for the night.
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ANTONIO VALENCIA
Involved in a nasty collision early on with Toni Lato and struggled to get forward to support United's attack. A legend in the club's recent history. Diogo Dalot is the future.
ERIC BAILLY
Unnecessarily picked up an early booking after clattering Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Domenech. Lacked authority at heart of defence, supporting Mourinho's demands for a new centre-half.
PHIL JONES
A night to forget after scoring past his own goalkeeper early in the second half. Was under pressure for much of the night, with little protection from midfield, but was never filled with certainty.
MARCOS ROJO
Making only his second start of the season, the Argentine looked a step behind the action and was caught out throughout the first-half. Hooked at half-time.
FRED
Could have sat in one of the Mestalla's many empty seats, such was the £52million man's role as a spectator at the Mestalla. Reflected the rest of United's team with his lack of intensity and energy.
MAROUANE FELLAINI
Most assured member of the United midfield. Operating in front of the defence for much of the game, and would have been more effective further forward.
PAUL POGBA
Produced the miss of the season which would have equalised for Mourinho's men - somehow hitting wide from six yards. Grew into the game late on but regularly looked for the YouTube goal.
JUAN MATA
Liveliest attacking member of Mourinho's team playing against his former club. Brought the quality that Mourinho's side has been lacking in recent weeks, but it wasn't enough.
ANDREAS PEREIRA
First start since August, and it showed. Apart from a stunning long-range effort late in the game, Pereira offered little going forward and was regularly out-muscled against the Spaniards.
ROMELU LUKAKU
Frustrating night for the big Belgian. Never given the necessary service with United on the back foot for large periods. Made good runs and held the ball up on occasion, but was rarely offered the opportunity.
Substitutes:
ASHLEY YOUNG (FOR MARCOS ROJO 45')
Offered more than the man he replaced with greater fight. Provided a delicious cross for Rashford's goal.
MARCUS RASHFORD (FOR FRED 57')
Brought the energy and direct approach United needed and took his goal well.
JESSE LINGARD (FOR LUKAKU 69')
Played a key role in the Rashford's late goal, showing why he's a starter for Mourinho.
