PLAYER RATINGS vs Man City

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David De Gea: With Anders Lindegaard’s partner going into labour, De Gea stepped into the team.

The Spaniard showed he is capable of dealing with aerial threats catching and punching away City’s attempts to bombard the box. One standout moment came when he shouldered a David Silva attempt onto the frame of the goal. Could have been a very different story had he not made himself big. 7

Rafael: Jobi McAnuff appears to have lit the fire under Rafael as he came to life after a poor showing last week.
Defensively he was on point, helping to neutralise City’s threat down the flank but again getting forward he made the difference. His cross set up Rooney for his second and Carlos Tevez saw fit to clip his ankles as he burst forward late on. From the proceeding freekick… 8
Patrice Evra: Like Rafael, captain Evra not only defended competently, keeping Nasri quiet, but also tried to make the difference getting forward. His pairing with Ashley Young is one that is bearing fruit for United and the two are working well in tandem the way Rafael and Valencia have. 7

Rio Ferdinand: Ferdinand’s involvement will be overshadowed by the coin incident but beyond that he had a very good game. Although he doesn’t wear the armband, Rio is very much a leader at the back and today was an example of this.

The pace and mobility of City’s front players could have caused Ferdinand problems, but his reading of the game and positioning meant he was more than capable of handling the threat they presented. Importantly nicked the ball away from Tevez at the back post. 8

Jonny Evans: Evans’ growth as a player continues to impress all. In last year’s derby at Old Trafford he saw red for a rash challenge on Mario Balotelli, this year he kept the Italian quiet as a church mouse.

Picked up an injury but soldiered through it to helped keep a lid on City’s attack. 8

Michael Carrick: Continues to go under the radar in terms of what he contributes to the team but is to be expected of a player that goes about his job in such a calm manner.

If you want an indication of how important his job is and how good a job he did just look at Gareth Barry who was employed in a similar role. Whilst Carrick protected the back line, Barry allowed Rooney to run riot and the result? Rooney got a brace! 7.5

Tom Cleverley: For a player that it was presumed would miss the game, Cleverley didn’t do too badly.

Earlier in the season he spoke of playing in the big games and they don’t come bigger than this! He was positive and quick with the ball, made sure to harry City when not in possession and got a few shots off even if they were generally off target! 7

Ashley Young: The Resurrection continues as the winger put in another solid performance.

Has struggled this season but it appears he is turning a corner. His involvement in the first goal was impressive as he linked up with RVP and should have had a goal himself but saw his effort incorrectly chalked off for offside.

On another note his defensive work is impressive and whilst the ‘modern winger’ is expected to help out, not all do so it’s appreciated! 8

Antonio Valencia: Dropped in at the deep end with a Manchester derby and performed better than he had the games before he picked up his hip injury.

There was evidence of rust but at least he beat his man on occasion this time and his crossing was a tad more accurate than it has been. 6

Wayne Rooney: Absolutely loves a goal against City and got his 9th & 10th in the game. Played a tad higher up the pitch than people expected but still dropped deep and was able to exploit the inexplicable space City afforded him.

May not have hit the goal trail as he did last season but both finishes were as clinical as you like, showing his eye for goal is still there despite a change in role. 9

Robin Van Persie: Sat up top and was in danger of becoming a passenger in the game so took things into his own hands and got involved in all areas of the pitch.

Did defensive work, dropped into the middle of the pitch (his chested pass released Ashley Young for Rooney’s goal), buzzed around the box cracking the post with a shot that left Hart for dead and the cherry on the cake? A freekick in injury time to win the game. Can’t think of a better way Sir Alex could have spent £24m! 8

Subs

Chris Smalling: Was a little panic when Evans came off for Smalling but the transition was smooth as he picked up where Evans left off. Kept Aguero on a short leash and when caught one on one with the Argentine dealt with him calmly. 7

Phil Jones: Replaced Valencia and added another body in the midfield as City tried to get back into the game. Enjoyed telling the City fans to put a cork in it at full time for their ‘you signed Phil Jones we signed Kun Aguero’ song.

Danny Welbeck: Kept City’s defence busy but didn’t have a chance to make an impact.

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