Manchester United beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. It was a goalless first half with United breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute through Romelu Lukaku, who scored his 19th goal of the season so far, assisted by Juan Mata. Alexis Sanchez won a penalty in the 68th minute, Jonas Lossl making the save but scoring the rebound.
Key Moments:
55′ Juan Mata slipped down the left, getting behind the fullback, putting in a superb cross into the box. Romelu Lukaku found the cross, had one touch of the ball, a tough which put it into the back of the net, beating Lossl into the bottom left corner.
68′ Alexis Sanchez won a penalty after Hefele fouled him in the box. The Chilean stepped up to take the penalty, seeing his effort thwarted by Lossl before banging in the rebound to score his first Manchester United goal.
Man of the Match: Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean made his first appearance at Old Trafford for his new club on Saturday afternoon. Whilst he did not have the best of times in the first half, he came out running in the second half and was the inspiration for United. His ability on the ball is going to be immense when he is fully settled in the side.
He seemed to be a target for the Huddersfield players, getting him on the ground after every challenge. Sanchez eventually won a penalty for his club, failing to score from the spot but following up on the rebound and opening his Manchester United account. In two games now, Sanchez has an assist and a goal, which is a great start. Long may it continue.
Match Statistics:
Manchester United 2-0 Huddersfield Town pic.twitter.com/26ri8qcW3r
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Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Tha Spanish number one made his 300th appearance for United today and was virtually a passenger in the match, seldom having to do much, which is not a bad thing. Kept United 15th clean sheet of the Premier League season too.
25 Antonio Valencia
United's right-back had a good game and covered lots of ground as Mata drifted inside and he had to cover more of the flank. Van La Parra got the better of him at times though.
Chris Smalling
Played a lot better than he did against Spurs. Seemed to have his problems with Depoitre. Got involved with a big tackle at the end of the first half. Comfortable game, defensively, for United.
16 Marcos Rojo
The Argentinian benefited from the Spurs defeat coming in for Phil Jones, who was dropped. Made a headed clearance from one of the few Huddersfield attacks. Could be entrusted to form a partnership with Smalling, at least until Bailly is fit to play again.
23 Luke Shaw
The left-back linked up with with Sanchez. Tracked back well when he lost the ball. An encouraging performance. Needs to play every game at left-back now.
31 Nemanja Matic
Encouraged his midfield partner, McTominay. Seemed to return to form quietly, which is his thing. Does look like he needs a rest. United play a week on Sunday, so that should help.
39 Scott McTominay
At least one manager at the top is trusting youth! McTominay did well today, despite suffering from two early fouls, one of which should have won a penalty for United. He has a big future ahead of him and Mourinho trusts him - which is great.
8 Juan Mata
Played on the right-wing in a 4-2-3-1 but drifted inside, leaving Valencia to overlap. Put in a great cross for the first goal, also getting the assist.
14 Jesse Lingard
Attacked from the whistle and broke through Huddersfield's defence a few times. However, he did not get to increase his tally this season, which has shown how good a player he is, despite the criticism.
Alexis Sanchez
Man of the Match again, twice from three appearances. Could have scored earlier in the game after dribbling and nearly scoring. Won a penalty, missed but got the rebound to open his account. Seems to have been targeted a lot by his opposition though, but he plays on and has that extra attribute to inspire and make himself the headline.
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian seemed frustrated at times but scoring from Mata's cross gave him his 19th goal this season. When United settle, as they will need to change this archaic formation to play to the strengths of the players, it may all fall into place.
Substitutes
6 Paul Pogba
Replaced Lingard 64'. Speculation said he was dropped because of a touchline argument at Wembley. I reckon it was to give him some rest. Played well when he came on.
10 Marcus Rashford
Replaced Mata 71'. Did not really get involved in the game. Many said Sanchez would freeze him out, this proves the obsession in criticising Manchester United is still out there. Critics have to propel themselves by saying silly things as they need attention.
9 Anthony Martial
Replaced Lukaku 77'. The Frenchman came on after the game was won. Played well but did not have enough time to shine.
Goals: Romelu Lukaku 55′, Alexis Sanchez 68′
Assists: Juan Mata 55′
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw; Matic, McTominay; Mata (Rashford 71′), Lingard (Pogba 64′), Sanchez; Lukaku (Martial 77′)
Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Lindelof, Young; Carrick
Bookings: Juan Mata 27′, Alexis Sanchez 45+2′
