Player Ratings: Manchester United 3-1 Reading (FA Cup)

Manchester United took another step towards ending their trophy drought with a comfortable win over Reading, and it was the Brazilians who stole the show for United.

The Royals almost never looked like threatening Manchester United, who had a goal questionably ruled out before half-time as well as a clear penalty denied before going into the interval level having been dominant yet needing some more speed in their play.

In the second half, United injected that speed into the game and Casemiro cleverly chipped the goalkeeper after a brilliant disguised pass from Antony, before hitting a second from distance just minutes later.

Fred added a third with a remarkably clever flick after former Liverpool man Andy Carroll was sent off after picking up a second yellow card. Reading pulled one back from a corner, but it ended up being a comfortable win for United.

Here is how UtdDistrict rated the players:

David De Gea – 6/10

Barely had anything to do, made an important save in the first half but conceded an easy corner in the second.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7.5/10

Excellent performance, the best we have seen him work with Antony. His movement off the ball in United’s final third was smart.

Harry Maguire – 7/10

Solid performance from the skipper. He needs to get back into some flow as United have a lot of games coming up, tonight was a step towards that.

Victor Lindelöf – 6.5/10

Struggled aerially against Andy Carroll, as many would. Solid otherwise.

Tyrell Malacia – 6.5/10

Looked good in the final third and overlapped smartly, played well in possession for the most part although lost the ball in his own box leading to a dangerous chance just before half-time.

Casemiro – 9/10

Defensive midfielders don’t normally score braces, but Casemiro is far from a normal defensive midfielder. His two fantastic goals topped off a defensively dominant performance, MOTM.

Christian Eriksen – 6/10

Would’ve liked to see him inject more speed into the play at times. Should’ve scored at least once.

Antony – 8.5/10

His best performance for the club, growing into things. Finds extremely valuable passes when surrounded by runners, similar to Jadon Sancho. United need to use this more to consistently see the best out of him. His assist for Casemiro was excellent, and was awarded the official Player of the Match award.

Bruno Fernandes – 7.5/10

Assisted Fred well and his consistency is getting better under Ten Hag. Always raises United’s intensity levels well.

Marcus Rashford – 7.5/10

Was very unlucky to have his goal ruled out with a pretty ridiculous offside call. The penalty could’ve been another chance to add to his tally. Posed a great threat all through the game.

Wout Weghorst – 7/10

Continually growing for United, he pressed hard up front and should’ve had an assist for Rashford if the goal was not ruled out. Looking to be a smart pickup.

Substitutes

Fred – 8/10

Technically assisted Casemiro’s second and scored with a beautiful flick. Brilliant cameo and should be starting more games for United.

Alejandro Garnacho – 7.5/10

Absolute livewire. Almost scored immediately after coming on, should’ve had an assist and constantly causes trouble for his opponents. Hard to believe he is just 18 sometimes.

Facundo Pellistri – 6.5/10

Very positive in all his actions once again, even if they didn’t all come off. Has become someone with a genuine part to play in this squad having been a non-factor before.

Anthony Elanga – 6/10

Worked hard up front although was not very involved.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5/10

Kept the ball moving nicely, good for him to get some minutes under his belt.