How the Manchester United players rated in their win over Leicester
Centre midfielder: Paul Pogba – 8.5/10 (man of the match)
Wow. What a performance. Paul Pogba was everything Manchester United envisaged when they splashed out £100 million on the Frenchman, and he was a stand-out man by a long distance.
The defensive-minded Fred and Andreas Pereira allowed Pogba more freedom, as he was licensed in the World Cup, and it showed.
Pogba dominated the midfield. His commanding presence guided United through the majority of the match. A goal inside just three minutes was tucked away with aplomb from the penalty spot – despite the foolish run-up.
If he can replicate these displays throughout the campaign, this is the season where Paul Pogba could be a luminary. The warm afterglow of World Cup triumph ensured the ex-Juventus midfielder was in high spirits, and his opening day display suggested he can translate his World Cup form to the Premier League.
Centre midfielder: Andreas Pereira – 6/10
In a central midfield trio alongside Paul Pogba and Fred, it was always going to be tough for fringe player Andreas Pereira to play a significant role.
This will likely be one of few starts this term, with Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard returning from their prolonged rest, and Pereira didn’t exactly stand out.
An impressive passing range and an effective shield to the back four, the Brazilian wasn’t completely anonymous, but he allowed Pogba to run the show.
Centre midfielder: Fred – 5.5/10
Debutant Fred, in his first competitive match since a £50 million move from Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk, was another midfielder who handed the reins to Pogba.
The Brazilian started the match with a fiery temper, which showed his passion and motivation to make his stamp in a Manchester United shirt, however it backfired at times.
A number of fouls, including a needless kick out in the first half that should have been punished more severely, eventually led to Fred becoming the Red Devils’ maiden booking of the season.
Not a debut to remember, but foundations of a potentially important player are there.
Left winger: Alexis Sanchez – 4.5/10
It was Manchester United’s night, however it certainly wasn’t Alexis Sanchez’s.
The Chilean had a full preseason to prepare, what with the South Americans failing to qualify for the World Cup. Not much came off for him at Old Trafford.
His vibrancy and energy was there to see – Sanchez was full of running – though his poor touches, loose passes and lack of a cutting edge were all symptomatic of this new, unimproved man who looks a shadow of his former, menacing self.
He linked up once with substitute Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian failed to finish off the chance. Sanchez needs improvement, and quickly.
Right winger: Juan Mata – 7/10
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Juan Mata proved once again he is a handy player, even if Mourinho hasn’t fancied him at Chelsea or Manchester United.
His quick link-up passing with Fred and Pogba in the centre of midfield early on made sure the home side started with the purposeful tempo they often struggle to find under Jose Mourinho.
Hopefully Juan Mata plays more than just a bit-part role this term, as he still looks fresh and a welcome addition to the side.
Striker: Marcus Rashford – 6.5/10
Marcus Rashford was another who looked optimistic, but had few rewards to show for it.
Chances came few and far between for the lone striker, who is living on borrowed time as Romelu Lukaku builds up to his Premier League return.
A goal would have done Rashford nicely and perhaps staked his claim to start Manchester United’s next game, but that now looks unlikely.
He will make way for Lukaku, and his adequate display at Old Trafford only makes the decision easier for Jose Mourinho.
Substitute: Romelu Lukaku – 6/10
Lukaku came off the bench and should have scored. He is rusty, admittedly, perhaps why he needed the extra rest.
Take nothing away from a magnificent save from Kasper Schmeichel.
Substitute: Scott McTominay – Came on too late to rate
Youngster McTominay only had 14 minutes to impress. Not enough time.
Next. Analysing Bayern's potential formation under Niko Kovac. dark
Substitute: Marouane Fellaini – Came on too late to rate
Came on for Fred, who received a warm ovation from the Manchester United faithful.