Manchester United clinched a memorable 3-2 win at the Etihad yesterday, to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points.
Here is a look at how the players performed…
David de Gea – 8
De Gea looked assured throughout and could do little for either goal, producing a terrific double save as he fought to keep City from scoring the opener. The battle for United’s number one jersey continues.
Rafael – 7
A gutsy performance from Rafael who got forward as much as possible, and set up Wayne Rooney for his second goal with his surge and cross into the box.
Jonny Evans – 7
Evans was steady and much improved after a poor performance against Reading, winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels, but his day was cut short by injury.
Rio Ferdinand – 6
Ferdinand’s day will be remembered for the unsavoury incident at the end with the City fans, but on the pitch he looked in good form, especially commanding in the first half, but saw that presence wane in the second.
Patrice Evra – 7
Evra put in a committed performance, winning more tackles than any other United player with five. He should have scored with a header in the second half.
Tom Cleverley – 6
Cleverley had been expected to miss the game with injury, and it was a plus he was able to start. He was busy and effective without being spectacular – completing a higher percentage of his passes than any other United midfielder (85 per cent), although tired as the second half went on.
Michael Carrick – 7
Carrick was impressive in midfield for United, touching the ball more than any other player in the Red Devils side. He helped largely nullify the threat of Yaya Toure, and is having a good season to date.
Ashley Young – 7
Young had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside, and was involved in much of United’s best attacking play, laying the ball off to Rooney for his first. After a poor run of form, this game was a good sign of improvement, when it mattered.
Antonio Valencia – 7
Valencia was rushed back from injury for the derby, and couldn’t be faulted for lack of effort, working particularly hard defensively to stop Rafael getting swamped. In the final third he struggled to find his cutting edge but from a team point of view he did what was required in a tricky away fixture.
Wayne Rooney – 9
Rooney saved his best performance of the season for when it mattered the most, continuing his excellent record from last season of scoring in the big matches. He now has three goals in two games and you wouldn’t bet against more against Sunderland next weekend.
Robin van Persie – 8
He may have left it late, but Van Persie has now scored winners away to Liverpool and Manchester City – United’s two biggest rivals. Big players can be judged by how they ‘step up’ when it matters, and the Dutchman did just that with his late free-kick, and hit the post with a spectacular effort earlier in the second half.
Subs
Chris Smalling – 7
Smalling hasn’t played a lot of football this season but adjusted to the intensity of the contest very quickly since coming on and didn’t let the side down.
Danny Welbeck – N/A
Too late to rate, but was impressive in winning the ball back from Clichy in the lead-up to the winning free-kick.
Phil Jones – N/A
A late substitute, Jones’ most notable contribution was a booking for excessive celebration.
Who was your star man?
images: © marcel sigg, © nasmac
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