Player Ratings: Notts County 0-2 Manchester United U21s | OneFootball

Manchester United U21s earned their first three points in the EFL Trophy with a convincing win over League Two outfit Notts County.

Here are our player ratings for the match. Read the detailed match report of all the action here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Ratings

Will Murdock – 7.5 – A composed performance between the sticks. He looked comfortable dealing with everything that came his way. Made a good save early on and claimed a number of crosses which were delivered into the area. Was good on the ball too, performing a Cruyff turn in the build up to United’s second goal.

Yuel Helafu – 5.5 – A tough test against senior opposition, he was comfortable on the ball but was lucky to not be sent off early in the second half. Already on a yellow card, he rugby tackled a Notts County player while attempting to break up play but the referee played advantage and chose not to come back and book him for the blatant foul.

Dan Armer – 7 – Didn’t put a foot wrong all match and defended the box well, making the most clearances of anyone. Was composed as ever on the ball and kept it simple by working it into midfield quickly.

Godwill Kukonki – 7 – Wasn’t as involved as Armer but just like his partner at the back, he didn’t look too fazed and made some good passes out from the back.

Diego Leon – 7 – Getting better and better by the match and is looking a lot more comfortable. His defensive contributions were highlighted by his awareness to defend the back post to cut out a dangerous cross before making a good block. Physically he put himself about and consistently came out the winner in his duels and showed a nice range of passing to pick out Lacey on the opposite wing.

Jacob Devaney – 8 – Another performance where he led by example and did it all. He covered the backline exceptionally well and got his name on the scoresheet with a fantastic goal after a charging 50 yard run. Finished the match at right-back and looked just as comfortable there with composed one v one defending.

Tyler Fletcher – 7 – Got away with a hospital pass just outside United’s area but overall had a good match and covered a lot of ground to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

Shea Lacey – 8 – A menace on the right wing, he had the beating of his man throughout the match and was involved in nearly all of United’s good play including scoring the matchwinner with a clinical finish. Whether he dribbled or played a quick one touch pass, Notts County could never get near him.

Jayce Fitzgerald – 7 – Not as involved on the ball as the other midfielders, but his running opened up a lot of space even when he didn’t get on the ball himself. This running saw him connect well with Lacey as he pushed into the right half space.

James Scanlon – 5.5 – Neat and tidy and made one good run in behind on the left wing but just wasn’t involved enough in the play. Only Obi had less touches on the ball of the starters, while Lacey had three times as many touches of the ball on the opposite wing in comparison.

Chido Obi – 6.5 – A good experience, he had a running battle with a physical Matthew Platt which Obi won sometimes and lost at other times. One of those times was when he shrugged Platt off to get onto the ball and play through Lacey for the match winner. Had a couple of other chances to play teammates through as well but opted to shoot.

Substitutes

Amir Ibragimov – 7.5 – Provided spark to a match that looked like a pre-season friendly at times. His relentless running and directness was too much for Notts County to handle as he wreaked havoc down the right wing with Shea Lacey. Could have easily had a goal or an assist on another day.

Gabriele Biancheri – 6 – Did well to get on the end of two chances but his efforts were blocked on both occasions. Will feel like he could have done better on the second, there was space to shift onto his right foot but he snatched at it with his left.

Sekou Kone – N/A – Only came on for the final moments of stoppage time but it was good to see him back on the pitch for the first time since his head injury in August.

Feature image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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