Manchester United beat Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the EFL Cup. Here are our player ratings from the game.
(A score of 6 is around average)
Andre Onana 1 – Absolutely dreadful. At fault for both goals and should not be putting on a United shirt again.
Tyler Fredricson 2 – Looked like a boy in a man’s game. Failed to get tight enough to Charles Vernam for the opener and just couldn’t cope with the opposition. Rightly taken off at half time.
Harry Maguire 7 – Not at his best at the back but he fashioned a very good chance for Sesko and then headed in the equalising goal for United.
Ayden Heaven 4 – Wasn’t involved in a lot but also didn’t look very assured. He almost committed a costly error after getting tangled in a challenge with his own teammate.
Diogo Dalot 2 – Shambolic again. Sloppy at the back and didn’t offer anything in attack except the one cross to Sesko, which should have resulted in a goal.
Manuel Ugarte 1 – He offered nothing throughout the game and might as well not have been on the pitch. To make matters worse, his lazy attempt to win the ball back led to a collision with Amad, gifting Grimsby their first goal. Hooked during the break. Another who should be shown the exit door.
Kobbie Mainoo 6 – The best of a bad bunch. By no means was it an outstanding performance by his high standards but his passing was good and he drove well with the ball at times, riding a number of challenges. Registered an assist for Mbeumo’s goal.
Patrick Dorgu 5 – Among the few players who performed slightly better for United. Tried to make things happen, putting in crosses for Sesko and going forward.
Amad 3 – Not good enough. Surprisingly poor on the ball and recklessly lost possession for Grimsby’s opening strike. Struggled to make his mark.
Matheus Cunha 5 – Most of his touches were clean but he didn’t see the ball nearly enough times to have a real influence.
Benjamin Sesko 5 – Had a few cracks at goal but couldn’t hit the target. Best chance came from Dalot’s cross but he was thwarted by Pym.
Substitutes
Matthijs de Ligt 6 – Injected some energy and urgency to the team as he kept findnig himself in the box. He even had a shot but blazed it over the bar.
Bruno Fernandes 5 – Forced Pym into a good save with a powerful shot into the bottom corner.
Bryan Mbeumo 7 – Fantastic run and finish to give United an avenue back into the game.
Mason Mount 5 – Decent when he came on.
Joshua Zirkzee 4 – Gave away a silly foul while United were chasing the game.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!