United Debutants Reviewed

ManUtd.com run the rule over Manchester United's five debutants as Louis van Gaal paraded all of his summer signings during the 1-0 win over Tottenham...

Sergio Romero

The 28-year-old Argentina international had a quiet start to life in England but any nerves were settled by racing off his goalline to make an excellent block from Kyle Walker minutes before the Spurs right-back put through his own net. The 2014 World Cup finalist comfortably caught efforts from Toby Alderweireld and Ben Davies and made excellent saves to deny Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane's header that deflected off Chris Smalling late on. The ex-Sampdoria shot-stopper took evasive action when necessary to prevent Spurs attacks and looked a safe pair of hands in goal.

Matteo Darmian

After being caught when Christian Eriksen drifted in behind him in the opening five minutes, the 25-year-old was an assured presence at full-back for United and was described by former United boss Ron Atkinson as a “proper defender” with “great positional awareness”. The Italian tracked the surging runs of Nacer Chadli with some important defensive clearances and attacked purposefully down the right flank to deliver numerous crosses before making way for Antonio Valencia 10 minutes from time.

Memphis Depay

The Dutch international was lively at times in an advanced position, often alongside captain Wayne Rooney at the focal point of the attack early on, and played in Ashley Young to cross for Kyle Walker’s own goal. The 21-year-old fired over from 25 yards early after the break and received a good ovation when replaced midway through the second half by Ander Herrera. Louis van Gaal suggested he felt the youngster was a little too eager to impress but he understood the desire to shine on his Old Trafford bow.

Morgan Schneiderlin

The Frenchman helped United retain possession for sustained spells by simplifying the play and holding his position alongside experienced team-mate Michael Carrick. The former Southampton midfielder showed a willingness to work hard for the team by performing his usual role of spreading the play and robbing his Spurs counterparts of the ball while not venturing too far forward. Looked the master of the interception and pressed opponents relentlessly.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

United fans got a glimpse of the club’s first German player at Old Trafford on the hour mark when the 31-year-old replaced Carrick to make his competitive debut. The ex-Bayern Munich anchorman caught the eye with a couple of raking long-range passes to unlock the Spurs defence and intercepted several passes to help United retain a slender lead. He did pick up a yellow card and was in the thick of things.

Credit: Manutd.com