One Word Player Ratings: United destroy City in the Manchester Derby

If we had to use one word to describe that game, it’d be frantic.

Manchester United absolutely destroyed Manchester City 4-2, taking the derby bragging rights and moving four points clear to cement third place in the Premier League.

City started stronger, pressing their opponents high up the pitch and forcing a number of errors before taking an lead through Sergio Aguero. United came back into the game though, attacking down City’s left-hand side, as Yaya Toure constantly failed to track the dangerous Marouane Fellaini and the ball landed nicely for Ashely Young for the home side’s equaliser.

Young was involved for team’s second goal before half-time, crossing for Fellaini at the back post and United took control. Michael Carrick was excellent as United raised the tempo of their passing and Wayne Rooney played in Juan Mata for United’s third.

Chris Smalling topped off a great day for the home side with a headed goal from Young’s free-kick. A late goal for Aguero was little consolation.

Here’s how we rated the players in one word:

Manchester United

David de Gea: Brilliant

Antonio Valencia: Tireless

Chris Smalling: Redemption

Phil Jones: Combative

Daley Blind: Busy

Michael Carrick: Excellent

Ander Herrera: Dynamic

Marouane Fellaini: Destruction

Ashley Young: Talisman

Juan Mata: Cheeky

Wayne Rooney: Assist

Substitutes

Marcos Rojo: Present

Angel di Maria: Utility

Radamel Falcao: Pity

Manchester City

Joe Hart: Flaky

Pablo Zabaleta: Overworked

Vincent Kompany: Boumsong

Martin Demichelis: Decent

Gael Clichy: Sleeping

Fernandinho: Limited

Yaya Toure: Lethargic

Jesus Navas: Headless

James Milner: Hopeless

David Silva: Peripheral

Sergio Aguero: Isolated

Substitutes

Eliaquim Mangala: Overpriced

Samir Nasri: Ineffective

Frank Lampard: USA

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