How the United stars fared after more woes for Moyes.
It’s been a difficult season for Manchester United manager David Moyes so far, which has been made even worse by this penalties defeat to Sunderland in the League Cup.
Moyes has missed out on the first opportunity to bring some meaningful silverware to Old Trafford as pressure mounts on the Scot.
Here’s how the United players rated on the night:
David de Gea – 5
Didn’t have to deal with a single shot on target until the 119th minute when the Spaniard spooned Phil Bardsley’s effort into the net. Did make two saves in the shootout though.
Rafael – 6
Got forward well to support the attack but struggled to contain the lively Fabio Borini at times and the night was made worse by missing the crucial penalty.
Chris Smalling – 5
Looked off the pace and struggled to compete both in the air and when players such as Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson were running at him. Much improvement needed
Jonny Evans – 7
Led the back line well as the most experienced and also got ahead of John O’Shea to head in United’s opener.
Alexander Buttner – 6
A better defensive performance than has been true of the Dutchman of late and still surged forward, although with little impact.
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