[Player Ratings] Man Utd 2-0 Stoke: Routine Win Put Utd Level With City

Apologies for the late post, been a busy week. Having lost to Liverpool in the F.A cup on Saturday, Man Utd bounced back with a comfortable and much needed victory over Tony Pulis’ Stoke on Tuesday night. 

Ben Amos was appointed keeping duties for the match as Lindegaard suffered an ankle injury during training and Spaniard De Gea was reportedly feeling unwell, which i might add was probably for the better as Amos put in a superb display and really showed Fergie that he has what it takes to become a more regular addition to United’s starting XI.

Valencia kept up his recent form on the wing and was a constant problem to Stokes defence while Park Ji Sung also kept the potters on their toes and in the 37th minute he won a penalty when Jermain Pennant brought him down in the area, which was converted by Javier Hernandez to put United 1-0 up.

Jonathan Walters forced ref Mike Jones to pull the yellow out and awarded United another penalty, this time Dimitar Berbatov stepped to the spot and struck the ball past keeper Sorensen for 2-0. The win left Fergie’s men drawing level points with league leaders Man City.

Man Utd player ratings:

Amos – 7/10 – As i said earlier, the youngster had a good game between the sticks on his premier league debut.

Smalling – 6/10 – Becoming more and more confident in defence each and every game and did well to contain Stokes rare attacks.

Evans – 6.5/10 – Johnny had a decent game at the back but will have far more difficult afternoons.

Evra – 6.5/10 – Steady game from Evra, put in a typical solid performance on a comfortable afternoon for the back line.

Valencia – 7.5/10 – Great display from the Ecuadorian and his powerful play down the wing was a constant threat.

Carrick – 7/10 – Consistent clearances, good passes and even a couple of shots!

Scholes – 7/10 – Where would we be if it wasn’t for this man, very quick to take control and made sure United stayed in possession as he stringed pass after pass perfectly.

Park – 6.5/10 – Did well to win the first penalty and was constantly finding space and put in his usual energetic performance.

Berbatov – 6/10 – I thought he did okay, wasted a couple of chances but took his penalty well.

Hernandez – 7.5/10 – Full of energy for the 73 minutes he played, excellent penalty kick to put us 1-0 up on the whole a good day for him.