Man Utd Player Ratings: Shaw Struggles as City Dominate Derby

Manchester United player ratings tell a sobering story after their dismal 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Manchester United entered the derby desperate for a positive result, but instead suffered one of their heaviest blows so far this Premier League season.

Manchester United Player Ratings: Defensive Woes Continue

Manchester United’s defensive frailties were brutally exposed by Manchester City’s relentless attack. Luke Shaw endured a nightmarish outing, culpable in all three of City’s goals. Sluggish marking and poor positioning allowed Phil Foden to open the scoring midway through the first half, and Shaw’s struggles set the tone for a backline that could not withstand City’s tempo.

Erling Haaland took full advantage after the break, exploiting United’s porous defence to double City’s lead. Jeremy Doku was a constant menace on the flank, outpacing Shaw and leaving United’s left side vulnerable throughout the match. The absence of defensive cohesion left United fans frustrated and searching for answers.

Attack Falters as Sesko Goes Missing

In attack, United’s woes were just as evident. Benjamin Sesko, handed his first Premier League start, failed to make an impact. The young striker struggled to find space and link up with his teammates, continually isolated by City’s organised defence. United’s forward line looked bereft of ideas, struggling to create clear chances and test City’s new goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Bryan Mbeumo registered United’s only real threat on goal, forcing an excellent save from Donnarumma. Altay Bayindir, selected over new signing Senne Lammens in goal, failed to inspire confidence despite avoiding any major errors. His opposite number’s composed performance further highlighted United’s current struggles in both penalty boxes.

Midfield Lacks Inspiration and Urgency

United’s midfield failed to provide the necessary support for both attack and defence. Possession was surrendered too easily, with City’s pressing game frequently disrupting United’s attempts to build from deep. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were overrun, unable to dictate the tempo or provide service to the forwards. The lack of urgency and creativity left United chasing shadows for much of the match.

Managerial Decisions Under the Spotlight

Manager Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach and starting XI selections will once again face scrutiny from supporters and pundits alike. The decision to persist with a back four that is visibly out of form, and to start Sesko in such a high-pressure fixture, failed to pay dividends. United’s lack of adaptability and in-game management was apparent as City exploited space and United failed to respond.

Manchester United Player Ratings: Individual Assessments

Altay Bayindir (GK): 5/10
Safe hands but failed to command the area and inspire confidence.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): 4/10
Struggled with Doku’s pace and contributed little going forward.

Raphael Varane (CB): 5/10
Tried to marshal the defence but overwhelmed by City’s movement.

Lisandro Martinez (CB): 4/10
Caught out of position for City’s first goal, struggled all evening.

Luke Shaw (LB): 3/10
At fault for all three goals, lost his battles with City’s wingers.

Casemiro (CM): 4/10
Failed to protect the backline, overrun by City’s midfield.

Bruno Fernandes (CM): 5/10
Occasional bursts forward but ultimately ineffective.

Marcus Rashford (LW): 5/10
Isolated on the wing, couldn’t influence the game.

Benjamin Sesko (CF): 3/10
Went missing in his first start, lacked presence and support.

Antony (RW): 4/10
Offered little threat, outshone by City’s wingers.

Substitutes:
No substitute made a significant difference as United’s misery continued.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

This defeat leaves Manchester United with just four points from their opening four Premier League games, and the challenges are only mounting. With a crucial fixture against Chelsea looming, United must quickly address their defensive shortcomings, inject energy into the midfield, and find solutions up front.

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Opinion: United Must Rediscover Their Identity

Watching Manchester United’s performance in this derby, it’s clear the team is lacking both confidence and cohesion. Ten Hag faces a tough task to rebuild belief and inject urgency into a squad that looks short on ideas and resilience. If United are to salvage their season, significant improvements are needed in every department.