Date: 11th February 2013 at 2:58am
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United go 12 points clear with win against Everton

David De Gea: Made a super save from Leon Osman and dealt with Everton’s threat competently. Bailed Chris Smalling out of trouble late on with a good save from Jelavic, 7

Rafael: Really is a becoming a huge season for the Brazilian, and today showed again he is just as good at either end of the pitch. Whilst playing a part in Giggs’ opener, and nipping in to deny Anichibe, his pass to Van Persie for United’s second was sublime. It is with no exaggeration that I say he is one of, if not, the best fullbacks in the league. 9

Nemanja Vidic: There is no comparison between the Vidic that played at Goodison and the Vidic today. Today he was colossal  not affording Everton anything aerially, and as Everton tried to turn the screw laid his body on the line to block shots and preserve United’s lead. 8.5

Jonny Evans: Outshone by his partner, Evans was silently solid today. In the 4-4 last season he was caught out, but there was none of that today and could have got a goal but saw 3 efforts in quick succesion kept out in the second half. 8

Patrice Evra: Whilst largely solid defensively, didn’t get forward as much as is to be expected. 7

Phil Jones: Brought in to do a job on Marouane Fellaini and excelled as he kept the troublesome Belgian quiet. Broke forward when the chance arose, slashing a shot over, but being employed in the role he was meant a greater workload for Cleverley. If the knock that saw him go off after 55 minutes isn’t serious he may be employed against Real to perhaps help keep Ronaldo quiet. 8

Tom Cleverley: Another tidy game from Cleverley as he provided a more offensive edge to United’s central midfield. Struggled at time with Jones preoccupied by Fellaini, but when Carrick came on really came to life and almost got onto the scoresheet but his fizzing volley was saved by Tim Howard. 7.5

Ryan Giggs: Kept up his remarkable record of having scored in every league season he’s played in with the opener against Everton, and showed the energy of a man half his age chasing down balls and trying to close the opposition down. 7

Antonio Valencia: Whilst he is looking better and had fun with Baines there is still a lack of final ball from the Ecuadorian. Tracked back, and got forward as expected and worked well in tandem with Rafael but was hoping to see more of this6.5

Wayne Rooney: A very workman like performance from Rooney against his former club as he played with a determination. Whilst his performance was sans a goal, his efforts at both ends of the pitch were integral including beating Heitinga in the air at the game’s death as the Dutch man threatened. 7

Robin Van Persie: Missed an early chance having rounded Tom Howard but wasn’t about to make the same mistake on the stroke of half time when his goal bound shot was carried in by Heitinga. Did his international team mate a disservice by rolling him and setting up Giggs for United’s 1st too. A goal and an assist doesn’t sound too bad considering this wasn’t one of his better performances? 7.5

Subs:

Michael Carrick: Came on before the hour mark and instantly allowed Cleverley more freedom, making United a somewhat more threatening side. Snuffed out a Baines ball to Osman wen Everton looked to get back into the game and continued to show why he’s finally been getting his due praise this season. 7

Chris Smalling: Came on for Jonny Evans and in his brief period on the pitch almost let Everton into the game but De Gea was more than equal to Jelavic’s effort. 5.5

 

7 responses to “PLAYER RATINGS vs Everton: Rafael & Jones The Stars In 2-0 Win”

  1. Alan Holden says:

    Might have given Roo more than a 7. He was all over the pitch yesterday and rarely second to any ball played near him.

  2. Henrytem says:

    Am happy for the way we play becaus we play good and grate!