Middlesbrough vs Manchester United player ratings: Jesse Lingard strike sets up important win

The England midfielder scored a brilliant solo goal to seal all three points for United after Maroaune Fellaini had earlier given the visitors a first-half lead

Sunday 19 March 2017 14:38

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Show all 22

1/22Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Victor Valdes – 5 out of 10

His double save was a moment of excellence, but he was beaten twice by Fellaini and Lingard and conceded a calamitous third.

AFP/Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Antonio Barragan – 5 out of 10

Held his shape well at the back, but was beaten by the occasional over the top ball.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Bernardo Espinosa – 3 out of 10

Really struggled against the pace of Rashford and the other United forwards. An afternoon to forget.

AFP/Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Ben Gibson – 5 out of 10

Tried in vain to start attacks by hitting long-passes forward but had a difficult afternoon.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Fabio – 6 out of 10

Looked assured in possession and did well going forwards; one of Middlesbrough's better players.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Marten De Roon – 5 out of 10

He worked relentlessly, but ultimately failed to make an impact on the game. He was outplayed in the midfield.

AFP/Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Adam Clayton – 4 out of 10

He looked lost at times – drifting in and out the game. Lost possession quickly and failed to read the game.

Man Utd via Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Grant Leadbitter – 6 out of 10

Was a key element to almost every Boro move – making clever and quick decisions in possession.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Stewart Downing – 5 out of 10

Wasteful in possession and failed to make an impact going forward.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Alvaro Negredo – 5 out of 10

Was Middlesbrough's principal target man but he was always surrounded by a sea of United shirts.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Gaston Ramirez – 6 out of 10

Caused a nuisance of himself, but was guilty of dropping too deep at times.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

David De Gea – 5 out of 10

Had very little to do. Unfortunate with Middlesbrough's goal.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Eric Bailly – 5 out of 10

Ramirez was getting the better of him at times due to his slack man-marking.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Chris Smalling – 6 out of 10

Intercepted a handful of important crosses and led the United defence well. Could have done better to clear the ball for Gestede’s goal.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Phil Jones – 5 out of 10

Held his own at the back, but made a number of unnecessary fouls.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Ashley Young – 6 out of 10

His assist for the opening goal was an example of his ability, although he drifted out of the game late on.

Man Utd via Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Michael Carrick – 6 out of 10

A textbook Carrick display. He created chances, defended well and his work rate was relentless.

AFP/Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Marouane Fellaini – 7 out of 10

Opened the scoring for United with a header. Tough tackling and used possession well throughout.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Antonio Valencia - 5 out of 10

Defended well, but looked even better going forward to support the strikers.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Juan Mata – 7 out of 10

Looked dangerous going forward and classy on the ball.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Jesse Lingard – 7 out of 10

His goal was an example of his individual ability – fully deserved. He linked well with Rashford throughout.

Getty Images

Middlesbrough 1 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Marcus Rashford – 6 out of 10

Should have scored, especially in the first half. Worked well, but needs to be more clinical.

AFP/Getty Images

Jesse Lingard struck a fine goal as Manchester United moved closer in the race for the Premier League top four.

The England midfielder scored a brilliant solo goal to seal all three points for United after Maroaune Fellaini had earlier given the visitors a first-half lead.

Rudy Gestede set up a grandstand finish with a late goal for the hosts but it was ultimately to no avail as Steve Agnew's caretaker tenure in charge at the Riverside Stadium ended in defeat.

Antonio Valencia added a late third to ensure Jose Mourinho's men are no longer sixth for the first time since November as they bid to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.

Who stood out the most during Sunday's lunchtime kick-off? Take a look at the gallery above to see our full player ratings,

Do you agree with our ratings? Who was your man of the match? Let us know in the comment below.

Join our new commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies