WHEN Manchester United saw they were pitted against League One side Rochdale in the Carabao Cup, they must have already had one eye on the fourth round.
But they were not expecting such a hard task to progress, as the Red Devils needed a penalty shootout to see off the Old Trafford visitors – even with the return of Paul Pogba.
After eons of one-way traffic, United starlet Mason Greenwood finally found a way past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez – but it was Dale’s own youngster, 16-year-old Luke Matheson who drilled home to take the game to penalties.
And it became a step too far for the League One outfit, who sit 17th in the third tier, as substitute Daniel James slotted home the winning spot-kick on a disappointing evening for a number of players. – but they won’t get the same luck against next round opponents, Chelsea.
Here’s how SunSport’s Adam Storer rates the Man Utd players following their
Sergio Romero – 7
As expected, the United number two had nothing to do in the first half with Rochdale failing to get a shot off.
The second period was much of the same but was in his own net as Matheson equalised for the visitors. Yet, the Argentine kept his cool to save Keohone’s spot-kick in the shootout and help United into the next round.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Sloppy pass early on almost gave Rochdale a chance. Looked to be further upfield for much of the game as expected but showed he is not as comfortable attacking as in defence.
Brilliant goalline clearance to deny Camp for what would have surely been the lead for Rochdale and bombed forward late on in the search for a winner.
Phil Jones – 6
Steady in defence, but had little to do in the first half as United penned Rochdale back in their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes. Taken off for Brandon Williams at half-time.
Axel Tuanzebe – 6
Had little to do all game but remained switched on to prevent Henderson from heading towards Romero’s goal in the first half.
The captain for the evening looked assured and could do nothing for the Rochdale goal.
Marcos Rojo – 5
A disappointing evening for the Argentine as he enjoyed bombing forward, but with little end product.
A diving header in front of the Rochdale goalkeeper did little to trouble him, before unleashing several weak shots from distance with little to no effect. Moved to centre-back for second half.
A diving header in first half while United were on the counter attack, but not troubling enough for Rochdale goalkeeper. Plenty of pot shots.
Fred – 6
Given an opportunity to show Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he is worth Looked lively early on, produced a delicious pass to find Pogba in the penalty area, but his forward passes often strayed.
Paul Pogba – 6
In his first game back from injury, Pogba definitely looked like a player lacking match fitness.
The Frenchman was anonymous for most of the first half, but did slip into the Rochdale penalty area on two occasions – the second with acres of space and a free header, only to put the effort over the bar.
Andreas Pereira – 6
The Brazilian was another who many would have forgotten he was on the pitch, if it weren’t for the odd long-range effort.
Did not put in the kind of performance that tells Solskjaer he should be picked more regularly.
Jesse Lingard – 7
Despite being one the most experienced players in the United line-up, Lingard could not influence the game too much, thanks to the stern Rochdale defence.
The Englishman was left looking lost in the amongst the sea of blue shirts, but had the presence of mind to spot Greenwood to his right for the 17-year-old to fire home.
Tahith Chong – 7
The young Dutchman enjoyed a fantastic battle with 16-year-old Rochdale right-back Luke Matheson, regularly tracking back and getting forward.
But he struggled to get much luck on left wing and work his magic.
Mason Greenwood – 9
The 17-year-old continues to show he is some talent, as he enjoyed the freedom as the central striker.
Greenwood floated a delightful ball from the right for what should have seen Pogba score, while he had a couple of attempts that could have gone in, if it wasn’t for the brilliant keeping of Rochdale’s Robert Sanchez.
But he finally got his goal, as Rochdale lost possession in a dangerous area, with the ball eventually getting to the youngster and he just needed time and composure to fire into the bottom corner.
And Greenwood netted from the spot to help United onto victory. A sole bright spark in a dreary performance from the Red Devils.
Subs
Brandon Williams – 6
On his senior debut, he was not expecting to have to do too much defending, but his inexperience showed as he let 16 year-old Luke Matheson enjoy the freedom of Rochdale’s right side to score the equaliser.
Showed flashes of trying to get forward but could not create anything.
Daniel James – 7
Showed his tremendous pace to get down both flanks and cause Rochdale problems late on.
And then showed composure to net the winning penalty.
Juan Mata – 6
The Spaniard didn’t have much time to affect the game in normal time but kept his cool and showed experience to stick away the first penalty in the shootout.
