Crewe 1 v United 2 (aet)

Crewe’s attacking style gave United one hell of a game, which as it happens is the best thing that could have happened. For those in the United side needing competitive football or those trying to make their names it was exactly the type of game to see who has the character as well as the ability to succeed. You can’t make a final decision based on one game but you couldn’t help but notice that too many players for United failed to sparkle. Those guilty of not taking their chance were D Jones, R Jones, Gray, Marsh and Barnes. You don’t get too many chances at this club so you need to do something to stand out. Lee did exactly that by coming on and making a name for himself. Shawcross also did well and Kuszazck was again impressive. The question for the others is have they done enough to earn a starting spot against Southend?

Kuszczak is a very good goalkeeper that has both the ability and hunger to succeed at United. He pulled off a number of good quality saves when his defence were doing a good impression of the Maginot line. 7/10

Gray: A reasonable performance but Bardsley is some way ahead of him in the queue of right backs. 6/10

Brown: Should have led by example and was given the run around too often for a player of his experience and ability 5/10

Silvestre: Back 3 weeks early and it told. 5/10

Heinze: Reasonable and great to see him back. 6/10

Marsh: Didn’t do enough to start against Southend. 5/10

D Jones: Okay first half but not the performance expected. May just have done enough to start in the next round. 6/10

R Jones: Determination took him through to set up Solksjaer for the opening goal but otherwise it was not a memorable night. 5/10

Richardson: Some good runs and nice turn of pace but should have finished the game off for United when through on goal. Needs to do more in a game over 90 minutes to progress 5/10

Smith: Good pass to set up Lee’s winner. However, he is a long way short of having an impact in the Premiership. 5/10

Solksjaer: Nicely taken goal and looked sharp. In truth he was let down by others around him. 7/10

Subs:
Lee: Great goal and rightfully earned the praise of his manager. 7/10
Shawcross: Assured under pressure. 6/10
Barnes: No impact, except for his injury and got the hair-dryer treatment. 4/10