Date: 3rd February 2013 at 3:34am
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Rooney scores the winner against Fulham

David De Gea: The press’ favourite whipping boy had a solid game today, giving them nothing to criticise.

Saved from John Arne Riise and looks to have got the deftest touch on Ruiz’s effort that hit the post. After undue criticism and reports of United looking at replacements, United fans showed they were firmly behind the Spaniard with a banner in the crowd that read: “In David We Trust”. 7

Rafael: Kept a lid on Damien Duff’s attempts along his flank and cleared what seemed a certain Fulham goal off the line in the second half. Wasn’t as effective getting forward today though as Fulham looked to neutralise the threat he and Valencia posed down the wing. 6

Rio Ferdinand: They’ve said he’s passed it for the past few seasons, but playing as good as he has been lets you know how great Ferdinand was in his prime.

Today he and Jonny Evans had the last word as Fulham tried to get something from the game, with Ferdinand doing a pretty good Vidic impression dominating in the air.

At times he even tried to kick start United attacks, bring the ball out of defence, although he was caught out at times by the home side. 8.5

Jonny Evans: Finally returning from injury, Evans stepped back into the team and he hardly looked like he’d missed a single game.

A number of key blocks and interceptions kept United alive especially at the end of the game when things were a bit tense. And it was his long raking ball that found Rooney for United’s late winner. 8.5

Patrice Evra: Almost found the net and appealed for a penalty that wasn’t given after being brought down but required some assistance in dealing with Dejagah. Despite this it was largely it was a solid game from the captain. 7

Michael Carrick: By his own high standards this was one of Carrick’s quieter games. Constantly in the mix, and on hand to stamp out Fulham’s attacks, when he played further forward he had more of an influence. 7.5

Tom Cleverley: Struggled to influence the game despite constantly getting on the ball and looking to use it effectively. Set up Rooney who hit the post and his energetic display was effective in the first half but as seems to be the trend, tired as the game went on and was subbed off. 7

Nani & Antonio Valencia: The two continue to struggle and whilst Nani can claim to have just come back from injury, Valencia’s issue is a lot more worrying.

Nani troubled Fulham down the left but his final ball or decision to shoot when he could have crossed was as frustrating as ever and he almost let Fulham into the game when a weak chested pass was intercepted and allowed them to break.

Valencia is working hard but little seems to be coming off for him offensively, be it beating his man or putting in a decent cross. Offensively he is well short of the standard expected of him, but his workrate and willingness to get stuck in means he is still useful to an extent. 5

Wayne Rooney: Loves a goal against Fulham, and today as no difference as the woodwork was the only thing that limited him to 1.

Worked well at both ends of the pitch and when he found himself bearing down on goal as the game drew to an end, made no mistake in bending the ball past Schwarzer to send United 10 points clear. 8

Robin Van Persie: Saw an overhead kick fly over the bar at the end of the game as the dutchman endured another quiet match. But even when he isn’t scoring he can still prove useful, clearing what seemed to be a certain Fulham equaliser with minutes left. 6.5

Subs

Danny Welbeck: Had little chance to make an impact, although was useful as fulham turned the screw at the game’s end. N/A

Javier Hernandez: Hernandez presence on the field made Fulham’s defence nervy as he buzzed around. Showed a willingness to chase what seemed lost causes and almost got on to the scoresheet, . 6.5

Ryan Giggs: Like Welbeck, was useful in trying to calm United as Fulham came on strong. 6

 

5 responses to “PLAYER RATINGS vs Fulham: United Rewarded For Strong Defensive Display”

  1. Ak says:

    Wat mistake fergie is doing by signing stoke keeper begovic gave ben amos chance to shine after so many loan spell ouside i STILL waiting that ben amos get a first team chance i know he has learn so many things with van der sar. They must gave him chance to shine. He dream to play in first team just like progba and result you know he leave united and shine with juventus and becoming a great player.