David De Gea: Didn’t have a lot to do and had no chance with Alan’s penalty, distribution wise always looked to give it quickly. Overall looked confident and certainly seems to be quieting the decreasing number of doubters. 6
Antonio Valencia: There was a time when I advocated Tony V at right back but that seems as long time ago now, as despite still showing a willingness to get forward it’s obviously not a position that’s suited to him as he was far more effective once Rafael came on and he was allowed to bomb forward. 6
Chris Smalling: “Smalling is back, Smalling is back woah, woah” is a chant that thankfully will never catch on but could have been sang last night as the young defender gave a decent display in his first start in months. Looked confident and although it wasn’t a perfect display it was a performance which will give United fans a lot of comfort. 7
Johnny Evans: Even ignoring the dubious penalty, this was still a below par performance from a player who’s been awesome all season, was subbed for Rio and it seemed to benefit the side as Ferdinand’s experience and organisational skills helped the Reds turn the game around. 5
Patrice Evra: The Evra haters are having little to moan about this season as Patrice continues to put in one sterling display after another, last night was no different as he was up and down the left side of the pitch all night long, getting involved in attacks while never shirking his defensive duties. 8
Nani: Yet again a performance that asks more questions than it answers, against an average side, playing in his favoured position the winger at times looked frustrated and a little disinterested. A few flashes of skill and effort simply isn’t enough for Manchester United. 4
Wayne Rooney: The most disappointing player on the pitch for me, even his penalty was fortunate as he kicked the ball twice while taking it. Many of his long range passes often failed to find a United player while too often he went for the simple option. This is the sort of game Rooney should be dominating from the middle of the park yet it pretty much passed him by. 5
Anderson: I’m beginning to wonder whether I may have got it wrong about the midfielder when I questioned whether he’d ever make it at United. Although there’s a long way to go this season, he’s certainly started it well and last night was another tick in the plus column. 7
Ryan Giggs: Despite and excellent pass that led to United’s penalty, this was a night to forget for the Welshman as he was anonymous for large swathes of the match and failed to really inspire a lacklustre United side. 5
Danny Welbeck: Why can’t Sir Alex Ferguson see what the rest of us can? Danny Welbeck is not a left winger and never has been. The lad from Longsight was a passenger for much of the hour that he played and other than a chance ruined by an accidental handball, did very little of note. 5
Chicharito: Buzzed and badgered and never gave up even though he wasn’t getting the service he needed he never gave up. Like many other Reds I was screaming at Chicharito to “hit it” for his goal but he eventually scored which is exactly what he’s there to do. 6
Subs:
RVP: Came on for Welbeck and saved the day yet again with a long range effort following some crazy keeping from Beto. The main worry for United fans is how reliant we’ve become on the Dutchman. 7
Ferdinand: On for Evans and steadied the ship with an assured display. 7
Rafael: Easily one of United’s best players this season and lived up to that tag last night as the Reds looked far more coherent with the young Brazilian at right back and Tony V moved to right wing. Rafael was never shy getting forward yet always quick to get back with his usual energy. 7
I can’t believe you gave evans a 5. He was the worst player on the pitch, not to mention that silly penalty.
Rooney was easily the best player on the pitch. Not sure what game you were watching
i disagree with evans rating He did exactly well until that penalty incident but every has his own little shortcomings