United made the best possible breakthrough in the game as they raced into the lead against a Stoke City within the first ten minutes.
Manchester United started with the trio of Anthony Martial, center forward Romelu Lukaku and silky playmaker Juan Mata as the attacking front-three, and it worked as both Martial and Lukaku got on the score sheet.
Overall, it was a composed display for the home side which will infuse them with further confidence in the title chase.
Here are they player ratings for United from the game:
David De Gea – 6.5
The Spaniard was composed in goal as he covered his area pretty well in the game. He made a good save to deny Xherdan Xhaqiri’s smart shot in the first half and Mame Biram Diouf’s effort during the second half of the match.
Antonio Valencia 7.0
The wing-back was scintillating was superb going forward, getting himself on the score sheet early in the game. He was equally good defensively as United kept it tight at the back against the visitors.
Chris Smalling – 6.5
The English center-half held firm at the back and was happy to join the midfield to make some forward passes in the game.
Phil Jones – 7.0
The central defender was strong and alert at the back. He put in a great performance in the entire game. He made a brilliant run through the middle to set up Romelu Lukaku in the second period.
Luke Shaw – 6.5
Luke Shaw was productive going forward for United. He also tracked back to cover his postion thus linking with Anthony Martial pretty well on the left wing.
Nemanja Matic – 6.5
The Serbian held up play well in the deep (pivot) zone and protected the back four in the match. He was strong in possession and made some good forward runs into the opposing box.
Jesse Lingard – 7.5
The English forward had a decent day going forward. He made a swift run from the middle before spotting Martial with a audacious pass which led to the Red Devils third goal of the night.
Paul Pogba – 8.5- Man of the match
The midfield player was outstanding in the match, assisting for two of the three goals United scored. He showed his class and importance to the United side. He could do no wrong in the match.
Juan Mata – 8.0
The Spaniard showed flair and creativity in picking out his United teammates. He linked up well as he set the ball rolling in transition to the United’s good.
Anthony Martial – 8.0
The French talent was a handful for Stoke City as he combined well with Pogba for United’s second goal of the game. He was also involved in Lukaku’s goal as he found the Belgian with a nice pass inside the box.
Romelu Lukaku – 7.5
The Belgian worked really hard and his physical strength helped enormously. He took his goal expertly as he showed strength and composure to ward off challenges from the Stoke City defenders.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 6.0
The English prospect showed a glimpse of his qualities with a couple of dashing runs and dribbles down the opposing area. Perhaps he needs a little bit more to regain his place in the first team.
Marouane Fellaini – 5.5
The former Everton man returned with an assignment from his manager as he was asked to help shut the opposition down in midfield which he did with a couple of (nice/simple)passes.
Scott Mc Tominay – 5.0
The young midfield player slotted well for Mata in midfield as the game wore on to United’s advantage. He made a couple of touches and his fresh legs helped in the final minutes of the game.
