To end the season in the best possible way, Manchester United staged a dramatic second half comeback to earn a 4-2 win over Blackpool to cement their position as the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League Champions.
Ji-Sung Park, Anderson, Michael Owen as well as a fortunate own goal saw the Reds claim overcome goals from Charlie Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher to earn their unprecedented 18th victory at home this season.
Those three players got their names on the score sheet, but did any of them do enough or did someone else claim the Man of the Match honors for United?
Edwin van der Sar – 6
In his final appearance at Old Trafford, van der Sar played his part one last time keeping a very vibrant Blackpool at bay.
Rafael – 5
Made some promising runs forward, but Rafael was caught out of position a few times against the Seasiders and he was withdrawn more than likely due to injury at halftime.
Jonny Evans – 6
Often troubled with the speed of the Blackpool forwards, Evans was influential in the Reds scoring the equalizer that eventually led to a three goal onslaught.
Nemanja Vidic – 7
Crowned with the Barclays Premier League Player of the Season before the match, Vidic turned in another disciplined performance leading the back-four.
Patrice Evra – 6
Coming back into the side after a short injury layoff, Evra put in a solid performance going forward and defending as well.
Nani – 6
Trying to improve his Premier League-best assist total of 18, Nani, who won the United Players’ Player of the Year award, put in a threatening display against the Tangerines.
Anderson – 7
Scored his first Premier League first goal of the season, Anderson overcame a shaky start and was heavily involved in the three second half goals.
Paul Scholes – 6
An indifferent performance, Scholes at time showed his magic with some sublime passing, but he also nearly gifted Blackpool an early goal.
Darren Fletcher – 6
Given his first start in well over two months, Fletcher understandably showed some rust in his performance but that did not stop him from winning the ball back on occasion.
Ji-Sung Park – 6
Even though he took his goal as wonderfully well and was a live wire throughout the first half, Park faded out in the second half, which was very uncharacteristic of his normal self.
Dimitar Berbatov – 7 (Man Of The Match)
On any other day, Berbatov would have scored his fourth hat-trick of the season, but he was superb in his efforts trying to win the Barclays Premier League season’s Golden Boot Award.
Substitutions
Chris Smalling – 6
Normally a center-back, Smalling showed his athletic ability and slotted in seamlessly at right-back and it was his cross that put the daylight between the two teams.
Michael Owen – 7
Came on to cause problems with his well-timed runs, Owen put the cherry on top with a perfectly taken goal to seal the title – and rub his former team’s nose in this title triumph.
Wayne Rooney – 6
Brought on as a late substitute, mainly to give Vidic a chance for a standing ovation, Rooney was highly involved in the last few minutes of the match down the left-hand side of the United midfield.
Overall – 8
After conceding two goals that would have deflated any lesser club, the Manchester United players defied all odds and dug down deep to end the Barclays Premier League season in the best possible way – winners and champions.
Submitted by The United Religion
