PLAYER RATINGS vs Reading

Anders Lindegaard: I don’t think there is an argument as to who should be our #1. Whilst Lindegaard is a decent keeper I, like most people, prefer De Gea. Jason Roberts did a decent job in neutralising and preoccupying Lindegaard for Reading’s 2 goals from corners but beyond that didn’t command his box and his kicking was poor. 5

Rafael: McAnuff gave him a hard time today and saw himself subbed off on the half hour mark after picking up a booking, a precaution ahead of the derby next week. 5

Patrice Evra: Defensively wasn’t up to scratch as Reading found it somewhat easy to get down his wing, but getting forward he was a gem and set up Wayne Rooney’s second. Linked well with Young down the left. 6

Rio Ferdinand: Yet another game that Rio had to grow into after a mediocre start. Roberts tried to make his job as hard as possible but the 34 year old still had glimpses of the class we have come to expect of him, even in the face of heavy Reading pressure. 6

Jonny Evans: Really is a classy defender, but like Rio took time to warm up and was caught out for Reading’s goals. Calm under pressure and distributed from the back but needs to be on for the whole 90 minutes. 7

Darren Fletcher: After the highs of scoring last week, this match was very much a bump back down to Earth as Fletcher struggled against Reading in only his second PL start this season. Being dispossessed,  misplaced passes and a baffling back heel in their box were some of the lowlights of the Scot’s evening and whilst a lot of it can be attributed to him still trying to find his feet, this will let him and Sir Alex know how much work he has to do. 6

Michael Carrick: Provided little cover for the backline as Reading tried their luck against a United side apparently there for the taking. Hi passing was as ever accurate but should have been able to show more against such a poor side. 6

Anderson: Was doing well up until he picked up a hamstring injury, providing energy and movement in a off colour midfield. Young messed up his chance after Anderson picked him out early on but Anderson would make no mistake drawing United level when Young found him in the 13th minute. This hamstring injury is worrisome as we could do with his presence at the Etihad next week. 7

Ashley Young: Has been dire since returning from injury against Chelsea but today was much improved saw an early chance nearly go out for a throw and a late one actually go for a throw but these won’t distract from a solid performance. Found Anderson for United’s first and mad a nuisance of himself in tandem with Evra. 7

Wayne Rooney: Got two goals today including a well placed penalty before setting up Robin Van Persie for what proved to be the winner. Good to see him rise to the challenge after Sir Alex asked for more goals, and we will need them too if our defence remains as porous as it has been. 8

Robin Van Persie: Got onto the scoresheet for a second game in a row with what would turn out to be the winner and should have had a brace after an effort that crossed the line wasn’t given. Guilty of squandering a chance with the goal at his mercy but he is still finding the back of the net so can’t complain. 6

Subs

Chris Smalling: Brought on for Rafael and did better with McAnuff as well as helping out from set pieces, starting to look better as he gets more games under his belt. Wildly shot over late on when he had better options. 6

Phil Jones: Came on for Anderson at the end of the first half and was asked to play in the same position but failed to sparkle like the Brazilian. Got forward but also gave the ball away as he failed to gain any semblance of a foothold in the game. 5

Danny Welbeck: Replaced RVP late on but failed to have any impact on the game. 5