WREXHAM beat Manchester United 3-1 after a dreadful defensive display from the Red Devils.
United played mostly their academy talent against Wrexham‘s experienced starting 11 – and it showed.
GettyDan Gore got a red card early in the second half after playing with the captain’s armband on Tuesday[/caption]
AFPHannibal Mejri was one of the few shining lights for United against Wrexham[/caption]
Jonny Evans and Will Fish had a night to forget, getting beat in the air as well as on the field throughout the game.
Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez shone for the Red Devils – as did captain Daniel Gore, initially.
But the pressure of the armband might have overwhelmed Gore as his studs-up challenge early in the second half got the 18-year-old sent off, ending comeback hopes for Manchester.
Earlier in the game, goalkeeper Nathan Bishop’s horror challenge left Wrexham star Paul Mullin with a punctured lung.
Who stood out and who struggled for Man Utd? SunSport rates every single player at Snapdragon Stadium:
NATHAN BISHOP – 2
Nearly earned an early red card for a reckless challenge on Paul Mullin – which left the Wrexham forward with a punctured lung – and let in two very similar-looking headers in the first half. Just poor.
MARC JURADO – 6
The Spaniard looked lost on defense at times but was spectacular going forward. His first-touch volley to reduce United’s deficit in the first half was a thing of beauty.
JONNY EVANS – 3
Evans struggled from the beginning – he was slow to react on an early long ball for Mullin that almost put the Wrexham forward in a 1-on-1 situation with Bishop. He then did close to nothing to prevent both Lee’s tap-in that sent the Red Dragons ahead and the header that set him up.
WILL FISH – 3
Shaky at the back, inviting Wrexham to charge at Manchester’s goal through his side of the field – and at fault for three goals. A tough night for the 20-year-old.
ALVARO FERNANDEZ – 6
Left too much space on the left flank for Wrexham, allowing the cross that ended up being the opening goal of the night. The Spaniard made up for the error with a sublime cross that Jurado tucked away just before halftime.
DANIEL GORE – 4
The Red Devils captain for the day left his all on the pitch, dropping deep and trying to help the back four while attempting to catch Wrexham off guard with some creative forward passes. But, perhaps, he tried a little too much, getting sent off early in the second half for a tackle with studs up.
TOBY COLLYER – 5
Impressive going forward, engaging in some nice link-up play throughout the game. But together with Gore, Collyer didn’t do enough in destruction, allowing Wrexham to enjoy way too much possession.
ISAK HANSEN-AAROEN – 4
Attempted a couple of offensive runs but an overall unspectacular performance from the Norwegian.
HANNIBAL MEJBRI – 7
United’s engine throughout the game, Hannibal was everywhere on the pitch. His passes and runs into the box created lots of danger near Ben Foster’s goal. He also shined in destruction, pulling off a few classy interceptions that launched the Red Devils on the counter.
SHOLA SHORETIRE – 4
Mostly quiet, but showed some flair on the right flank early on.
JOE HUGILL – 4
Didn’t offer much up front and got outjumped while defending a throw-in before Aaron Hayden headed it home to double Wrexham’s lead.
SUBS:
Radek Vitek – 4
Made a few nervous interventions before conceding a goal in the second half.
Sonny Aljofree – 4
As an early second-half sub, Aljofree should have been fresh enough to put more pressure on Sam Dalby before the Wrexham striker made it 3-1.
Maxi Oyedele – 5
Didn’t do much to take the ball away from Wrexham after coming on the pitch – understandably so, however, considering the United played with 10 men.
Mateo Mejia – 6
Probably the best United sub as the Colombian managed to provide a little bit of an offensive spark off the bench.
Charlie McNeill – 5
There wasn’t a lot McNeill could do after checking in with United mainly defending in the second half.
Willy Kambwala – 5
The only United center-back not to concede a goal, although Kambwala played just over 16 minutes after coming on for Evans.
