United Beyond Manchester

Joshua Zirkzee saved Manchester United with his seventh touch as a Red in the 87th minute. This was enough to earn him a 9 in my match ratings. How did the rest of the team fare?

Starting XI

Andre Onana: 6 – Onana made a good save on Tete’s curling effort. He still needs to work on his distribution. A clean sheet with no errors is a good start.

Noussair Mazraoui: 7 – After less than a week in Manchester Mazraoui showed why Ten Hag wanted him so badly. He broke up an early attack from Fulham and barely put a foot wrong all match.

Harry Maguire: 6 – Maguire won everything in the air and was a major reason for the clean sheet. His yellow card for diving was odd.

Lisandro Martinez: 7 – The Butcher showed why he was missed so much last season. Martinez was nearly flawless and provided a great moment as he bodied Adama Traore to the floor.

Diogo Dalot: 5 – Dalot failed to impact the game. He was decent enough but will hope to offer more going forward this season.

Casemiro: 6 – The Brazilian midfielder provided some great moments in the attack, including a stunning ball that Fernandes should have finished. However, his lack of pace hurt in transition and could hurt United against top teams.

Kobbie Mainoo: 7 – Mainoo had five interceptions in the first half alone. His work in the midfield was brilliant, and he connected the team very well through the middle.

Bruno Fernandes: 5 – His strength and determination helped set up Zirkzee’s goal. Unfortunately, it was not his day, as he missed multiple great chances.

Amad Diallo: 6 – Diallo’s quick feet and passing helped move United into attacking positions. He will get his opportunities this season.

Mason Mount: 5 – Mount works tirelessly off the ball but has been unable to create anything in the attack. His yellow card was smart, as several players were out of position.

Marcus Rashford: 5 – Rashford was better today than against City in the Community Shield. His final third decision-making and final product still need improvement.

Substitutions

Joshua Zirkzee: 9 – Can Zirkzee follow in the footsteps of Manchester United assistant Ruud Van Nistelrooy? The Dutch striker found the net with his left foot and connected play well. He needs to start against Brighton.

Alejandro Garnacho: 7 – The Argentine winger was dangerous today and provided a great cross for Zirkzee’s goal. He has a goal and an assist off the bench in the past two matches.

Matthijs De Ligt: 6 – The Dutch defender put in a solid shift after coming on. He will be a great asset to Ten Hag and should draw his first start soon.

Jonny Evans: 6 – The 36-year-old was strong late on and showed his experience in defending the lead.

Scott McTominay: McTominay entered the fray too late to rate. We will see if he remains a Red before the transfer window ends.

Who will be the highest-rated player next week at the Amex?