Wayne Rooney became the highest ever goalscorer for Manchester United, going past Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 249 goals, as he helped United salvage a point against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday with a last-gasp equalizer.
United, who were coming on the back of a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, started the game rather nervily but did show some positive signs. However, it was the Potters who took the lead in the 20th minute, when Erik Pieters’ cut-back from the byline was deflected into the net off Juan Mata. The visitors the piled up the pressure on Mark Hughes’ men, but found it impossible to beat Lee Grant, who had defied the Red Devils in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
United kept coming at the Stoke defence, but the home team held firm until the dying moments, when Joe Allen conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area and Rooney made no mistake, effortlessly guiding the ball into the top-corner from a tight angle in the 94th minute to send the away fans into a tizzy and in the process, making history.
With the draw, United failed to capitalize on the chance to close down the gap on the top four after Liverpool’s defeat to Swansea City earlier in the day, especially with Tottenham and Manchester City going head to head later. In what was a disappointing result for Mourinho’s team, a momentous occasion for their captain hit the ground running. Let’s take a look how each player fared:
David De Gea – 6
Extremely unlucky as he was caught wrong-footed for the opener due to Mata’s deflection. Other than that, looked solid when called upon on rare occasions.
Antonio Valencia – 6
Wasn’t his usual self on the right-side of the defence. Got forward regularly, but the incision was missing. Defensively looked a little suspect too.
Phil Jones – 7
Another good showing from the Englishman as he held his own against Stoke. Kept the Potters out of the penalty box with some strong defending.
Chris Smalling – 6
Was dragged out of position and then beaten for the header by Peter Crouch in the lead up to the goal. Except for that one occasion which proved very costly, kept Crouch under check.
Daley Blind – 7
The Dutchman showed plenty of intent in attack and also sent in some excellent deliveries from set-pieces. Was excellent defensively as well, negating Xherdan Shaqiri’s threat for most parts of the game.
Marouane Fellaini – 6
Was one of United’s better performers on the evening. Went up for the aerial balls regularly and won most of them, got forward well and managed to test Grant on quite a few occasions. Was withdrawn for the last 35 minutes as United looked for more fluidity in attack.
Ander Herrera – 6
Neat and tidy in the middle of the park. The Spaniard was the primary outlet for United, picking out passes trying to break open the Stoke’s defence.
Paul Pogba – 6
Held onto the ball well, was crisp and accurate in his passing and got forward well with great vigour. Came close with a few efforts at goal, but the accuracy was missing.
Juan Mata – 4
Disastrous evening for the former Chelsea man. Diverted the ball into his own net from Erik Pieters’ pass, after he had failed to track the defender’s run. Was given a glorious chance to redeem himself, but fired over the bar when he had the goal gaping in front of him. Should have been taken off much earlier.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6
Found a lot of pleasure running in between the lines and creating spaces. However, lacked the killer instincts to hurt the Stoke backline.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 5
Was well-marshalled by the Stoke defence for most of the night. However, he did work hard to find spaces and create opportunities for his teammates. It was his cross that Mata sliced over the bar from. The Swede himself had a chance to level things up, but spurned the chance. Lacked the ruthlessness.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 6
Came on for Fellaini in the 54th minute and livened up the attack. Came close with a chance, before winning the free-kick from which his captain scored.
Wayne Rooney – 7
Replaced Mata in the 70th minute. Became United’s all-time leading scorer with his 250th goal, coming from a beautifully taken free-kick, that levelled the game for his side.
Jesse Lingard – 6
Replaced Mkhitaryan in the 72nd minute. Ran hard throughout and added some energy in the final third of the pitch.