Manchester United played out a 3-1 win over League One side Northampton. The performance from United was, as expected, fairly convincing – despite one or two hiccups.

The game started instantly in United’s favour, the Red’s could have opened the scoring inside 5 minutes had Wayne Rooney have connected well with an incoming cross. However, it wasn’t long after that United did take advantage of their stronghold on the game. An indirect free kick from Wayne Rooney hit the wall and fell into the path of Michael Carrick, who slotted home.

Carrick played considerably well throughout the game and will definitely have given Mourinho some food for thought with his mature performance. Despite being 35, Carrick didn’t look at all off the pace – unlike a certain Wayne Rooney.

Rooney played as an out and out striker, a position that many say he should be playing week in week out, but yet again the England and United captain struggled. It must be surely only a matter of time before he is dropped from the starting XI. There are plenty of others who would easily replace the 30-year-old and do so in a very convincing manner. Step up Marcus Rashford.

It doesn’t take a lot for Rashford to leave us all astounded by his performances, but the 18-year-old came on the field with 30 minutes to go and showed Wayne Rooney a thing or two about pace, aggression and determination. He scored, assisted and generally changed the game. Rashford HAS to start against Leicester.

Another talking point was Ander Herrera. The midfielder scored a screamer in the second half to put United back ahead, but he also showed some great passion to play for the team. Michael Carrick was officially given Man of the Match, but I’d have gone for Herrera.

Full credit to Northampton, who gave United a lot to think about. Their attacking play was very convincing, and at times they caused the likes of Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind a lot of problems. They got a goal which came from the spot, something I think they deserved upon refection.

The game could’ve ended up with a wider margin on the scoreline, but 3-1 is about right for Northampton – who gave their all.

Here’s how I would rate the Manchester United team:

Romero – 6

Rojo – 6
Smalling – 6.5
Blind – 6
Fosu-Mensah – 6.5

Schneiderlin – 6.5
Herrera – 8
Carrick – 8

Memphis – 7
Rooney – 6
Young – 6.5