Manchester United v Aston Villa (A) – Player Ratings

FT Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United. Jones.

Starting XI:

Anders Lindegaard – 7

Lindegaard recorded his 5th clean sheet in 7 appearances for Manchester United. Didn’t have much to deal with, but when he was called upon, he did well.

Chris Smalling – 7

Defending very well against the pacy Agbonlahor. Kept Agbonlahor virtually out of the game. A very good shift for the young Englishman.

Nemanja Vidic – 8

Very dominant both in the air and on the ground. Had the joint most interceptions and won more aerial duels than any other player on the pitch. Darren Bent had absolutely no luck thanks to a certain Serbian. A man of the match performance from the captain.

Rio Ferdinand – 6

Quietly effective, he did his job perfectly for the 64 minutes that he was on the pitch. Wasn’t really given much to do as Aston Villa didn’t offer much going forward.

Patrice Evra – 7

Again, Marc Albrighton could not get into the game oon the right hand side for Aston Villa. Patrice Evra did well both defensively and offensively as he was prominent in the portion of play that led to Manchester United’s winner.

Michael Carrick – 8

Another faultless performance from Michael Carrick. Controlled the game from midfield and was efficient in both the passing and defensive side of the game. Finished with the most interceptions against Aston Villa, joint with Nemanja Vidic.

Phil Jones – 8

Also did well in midfield. Only the 2nd time he has played there this season for Manchester United. Capped his performance with a goal and was prominent in most things Manchester United did. Moved to centre back once Rio Ferdinand was substituted.

Ashley Young – 7

Had an efficient game in possession.  He caused a constant threat down the left side of the pitch.

Nani – 7

Nani started on the right but finished the game as a second striker due to Hernandez’s injury. Was a constant threat throughout the game. He provided the great cross which Phil Jones volleyed in for the winner.

Wayne Rooney – 7

Also had a good game, controlled the game. Missed the chance that he had to score after a great one-two with Michael Carrick. Played well dropping off Aston Villa’s defensive line. Richard Dunne had to ask his manager what he wanted him to do to counter this threat during a stoppage.

Javier Hernandez – 6

Looked lively until his injury. It looked pretty bad. Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he will be out for a month with torn ankle ligaments.

Substitutes:

Antonio Valencia – 6

Came on for the injured Hernandez. Had a reasonably good game. Was certainly an improvement on his recent performances though he didn’t manage to pick out a player in any of his crosses and his reluctance to take on a player round the outside was evident.

Ryan Giggs – 6

Played reasonably well for the 25 or so minutes that he was on the pitch. Was efficient in possession and kept the game ticking along.

Danny Welbeck – 6

Came on for Ashley Young in the 79th minute. Didn’t have much of a chance to impose himself on the game. Was energetic, which was encouraging to see as he made his come back from injury.

Do you agree? Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Feel free to comment below.

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