United keep up the pressure on leaders Chelsea

Manchester United kept up the heat on Chelsea at the top of the Premier League, and pulled further ahead of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – all of whom dropped points at the weekend – with a 3-0 win over Everton on Saturday evening. Here are my ratings for the match – don’t forget to give your own, HERE



1 Van der Sar – 6. Very little to do, however he was as competent, commanding, and above all, professional when he bravely confronted Cahill and consequently smothered his effort. He also made a decent save from a potentially tricky near-post shot late on. All in all a quiet one for the big man, but comfortable nonetheless.

03 Evra – 7. Always powerful down the left and with regards to his movement, tireless nature and his involvement in, he is our most influential player. Having said that he wasn’t as effective as he has been this season, although his run and cross in the 35th minute began the move for the opener.

06 Brown – 6. His tackle on Saha was in the first half, when the ex-United striker was completely clear on goal, was not only perfectly timed however genuinely world-class. Another decent performance, following on from the Chelsea game that reaffirms our faith in him and his ability to competently replace Ferdinand when needed. Other than the tackle on Saha though, it was generally a quiet yet accomplished affair for out back 4.

15 Vidic – 7. Made a couple of brilliant challenges and generally didn’t give Fellaini, Saha, Yakubu or Jo a sniff all game. A comfortable and highly satisfying return to action for the Serb, who looked fit and ready for more.

21 Rafael Da Silva – 6. (yellow card). Unfortunately for the young ‘un the main highlight-able aspect of his performance is his booking for a truly immature pull-back on Saha. It was effectively his fault that he was in that position anyway, as his poor cross came straight back out to Louis who clearly had too much pace for the Brazilian, as he was forced to grab hold of his shirt and hope for the best. Thankfully he wasn’t as careless as his twin – in the Carling Cup against Wolves – who made a similarly inexperienced challenge in a ‘last defender back’ situation; so Rafael’s yellow will purely act as a lesson rather than any further punishment or suspension. His approach to the booking was also rather petulant as he refused to approach the calling Bennett. First team full-back? Not quite yet, son.

(Scholes, 63 – 6.) Generally ineffectual as the game was already wrapped up when he came on for Rafael, but he set-up Valencia’s goal very nicely. I feel with his slightly more sluggish approach-play he is best utilised as a bit player who can still determine a game with a touch of magic, however as it was, he was merely given a run out to see the game out and keep the midfield in line and in order.

11 Giggs – 5. Pretty awful all round as his autumn flourish of form clearly hasn’t followed through into winter. His ball control, passing, pace and overall awareness were not up to scratch – losing the ball and uselessly dealing with it on a number of occasions – and with the highly popular and capable Park not even on the bench (when he captained his country mid-week), it makes you wonder what Ferguson has against the Korean seeing that everyone else inside OT loves him.



16 Carrick – 7 (yellow card.) Good finish and controlled the midfield well alongside Fletcher. I think the pair add a strong core in the centre that combines resilient hold-up/close-down play with creativity; through their passing. A good dynamic and strengthens our attack as well as defence.

24 Fletcher – 8. Ditto! Except he was more commanding and his goal was slightly more than just a ‘good finish’.

25 Valencia –7. Fairly more subdued than usual, as play wasn’t as focussed on the wings. Even when he isn’t as directly involved, he always demonstrates his great ball control and blistering pace (cutting up Baines in one awesome move late on)...and he also got a goal and assist for his efforts.

07 Owen - 5. At least Giggs was able to find space to at least attempt to be involved with play; Owen was just shut-out and generally useless. All the same negatives as Ryan except his finish – something you don’t expect from Giggsy but do expect from out striker – was distinctly poor. He had two chances that were hit directly at Howard and there was little attempt to find space in the area and cause any threat to their defence.

10 Rooney – 6. Another surprisingly quiet display from one of our more influential performers; with his second half shot that dipped and clipped the crossbar his most effective bit of play. For Rooney to not get on the score-sheet, or even play well, yet we still comfortably won it 3-0 is a credit to our overall performance.