Man Utd ratings: Lukaku makes the most of his chances but Sanchez blows his as Solskjaer’s men topple Palace
Belgian netted twice but Chilean was out of sorts on a rare start - while there are still question marks over United's defence
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MANCHESTER UNITED maintained their Premier League momentum under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - with mixed fortunes for forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
See how two-goal striker Lukaku rated in a comfortable 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace for a rejuvenated United side.
David De Gea
Uncharacteristically rusty with his footwork, but perhaps it was in the hope he would be called into action after a quiet first half. De Gea soon got it when Joel Ward’s diving header sent the Spaniard sprawling across his line but could get nowhere near it.
Ashley Young
At the age of 33, coming up against the pace and power of Palace’s forward line didn’t start too well for the United man. Wilfried Zaha had him tied up on more than one occasion. But Young grew into the game and benefitted from the protection of the young buck, Diogo Dalot, in front of him.
Chris Smalling
Pretty solid performance as he took on Michy Batshuayi in the battle of the buns. But there is still a vulnerability to United’s defence as Palace frequently snuck in behind with ease, and eventually they broke through.
Victor Lindelof
Questions remain over his defensive capability but the Swede is the ball-playing centre-back who can take United forward in more ways than one. Got the assist for United’s second and continues to grow game by game.
Luke Shaw
Willed on by his boss, Shaw roamed forward down the left and was rewarded as he weaved in and out of defenders before teeing up Romelu Lukaku for his goal. Struggled defensively at times with Andros Townsend’s pace.
Scott McTominay
After Sunday’s impressive display against Liverpool, it took the youngster a while to grow into the game. Gave Townsend too much space for an early shot and could have been punished.
Fred
Afforded his first start since Boxing Day and it may end up being a KO for the £52million man. Slips and trips, misplaced passes and fluffed worldie attempts, this was a missed opportunity for the Brazilian.
Paul Pogba
At his domineering best, breaking down attacks and launching his own. Missed the darting runs offered by Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, but he’s the leader of this team now.
Diogo Dalot
Deployed in the unnatural attacking position down the right, the 19-year-old looked comfortable and assure. Dalot helped protect Young as he faced the attacking force of Zaha attacking. His future is bright.
Alexis Sanchez
Frustrated wide on the left, the Chilean shifted himself more central but continues to look sluggish around the pitch. Lasted 75 minutes but it was his first start in three weeks and there’s unlikely to be another soon.
Romelu Lukaku
Missed an early sitter but made no mistake later on. Lukaku slotted a cooly taken strike from the edge of the area before dispatching his second, under pressure, with ease to show he still has a future at United.
SUBSTITUTES
Marcus Rashford (for Alexis Sanchez 75)
Visiting fans were thrilled to see him return to the field after an ankle injury. Helped pin a spirited Palace side back late on.
Eric Bailly (for Diogo Dalot 75)
Brought an assurance to United’s backline that had been lacking. Helped see out the win and ensure there was no late upset from Palace.
James Garner (for Fred 88)
Little time to show his talent but helped retain the win for Solskjaer’s men and has a bright future at United.
