PLAYER RATINGS Vs Braga

David De Gea: Looking a lot more assured now given that SIr Alex seems to have made him his number 1. Didn’t have much to do on his birthday but when needed made the necessary saves, keeping out Alan’s drive and a well struck freekick in the second half. Not much he could have done with the penalty. 7

Patrice Evra: Impressed as he covered along the back line and was by far the most solid of the 4 defenders (although this wasn’t hard considering Smalling was returning from injury and Valencia isn’t actually a right back). 7

Jonny Evans: Unlucky to have given away the penalty that saw United go 1 down and didn’t quite look as good as he had in previous weeks beside Rio, was subbed off for Ferdinand with a knock. 6

Chris Smalling: Made his return after months out and understandably struggled at times, but as the game progressed got better. A good game to get under his belt as he looks for sharpness, and Braga continually posing a threat will have meant he got a proper workout. 6

Antonio Valencia: Whilst still unconvincing as a right back, he did a decent job especially going forward. The introduction of Rafael late on really allowed him to remove the shackles of his defensive duties, and United benfitted. 7

Nani: Braga’s manager pleaded his case prior to the game, but the Portuguese winger hardly made his situation any better with this performance. Whilst he attempted to inject speed into our counter attacks, he gave the ball away cheaply and to cap his night off was he was taken off injured. 6

Anderson: After impressive use of the ball and distribution against Chelsea last week, this performance was poor. Whilst he attempted to stem the pressure Braga tried to put us under, when we were in possession he was underwhelming. 6

Ryan Giggs: Whilst he struggled to make any real impact on the game from a deeper position, Giggs did  the job that was apparently asked of him. When he did venture away from this role he contributed; his lofted pass to Hernandez set the gears in motion for United’s second. 6.5

Wayne Rooney: Again deployed in midfield and again did an impressive job as United’s best player. Early on his efforts didn’t amount to much as United were overwhelmed by their hosts, but after the blackout he really came into his own, winning and scoring a penalty as well as setting up Hernandez for United’s 3rd. 8

Danny Welbeck: As with most of the team struggled, especially as he operated in a wider position but as is to be expected with Welbeck, he worked his socks off. With United looking for a way back into the game he was unlucky to have been adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, just as he was about to shoot on goal. 5

Javier Hernandez: Continues to impress this season and tonight was no different. Got amongst Braga, constantly giving their back line something to think about and despite little support succeeded. Almost fluffed his lines at the end with his goal, but given a second chance he made sure he scored. 7

Subs

Robin Van Persie: 11 goals now and the importance of them make the £24m we spent to bring him to Old Trafford seem like a bargain. Came off the bench to equalise and his introduction seemed to revitalise the side as we came to life. 7

Rafael: His introduction allowed Valencia to revert to his preferred right wing position, another factor in United’s come back. Whilst the attacking side of his game catches the eye, his defensive game has improved immensely as he showed tonight as Braga looked for a famous win. 7

Rio Ferdinand: Introduced for an injured Johnny Evans, the birthday boy steadied the ship. His introduction was needed as United could have fallen further behind. 6.5