Manchester United put in an astute away performance to defeat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to gain the advantage in their Quarterfinal UEFA Champions League tie. Wayne Rooney capped off a fantastic attacking movement in the first half to give the Reds a precious away goal, but that does not secure the Reds’ progress to the next round have that lead, this feisty tie is far from over.
Although Rooney scored the goal – his fourth in the last two games – was it enough for him to earn Man of the Match honors for United?
Edwin van der Sar – 8
Playing with a groin injury, van der Sar put in a fine performance in the United goal, which was highlighted by a magnificent flying save against Fernando Torres in the second half.
Rafael – 7
Making his return to the United line-up following his hamstring injury against Olympique de Marseille, Rafael’s decent night was cut short by another injury.
Rio Ferdinand – 8 (Man Of The Match)
Eyebrows were raised before the match with Ferdinand being included in the team after being out for over two months, but he showed great composure and confidence to lead the back-four.
Nemanja Vidic – 7
Finally playing alongside his preferred partner in central defense, Vidic turned out what is becoming a to-be-expected solid display.
Patrice Evra – 6
Certainly gave United a scare late on with his clumsy challenge on Ramires, but Evra made two last-ditch interventions that save him from being highly criticized again.
Ryan Giggs – 7
His first touch for the goal was out of this world, but Giggs failed to be as influential in the midfield battle as Sir Alex Ferguson would have liked him to be.
Michael Carrick – 8
The architect of the United goal with tantalizing ball that had Chelsea scrambling, Carrick held his own protecting the back-four even though he was out numbered three-to-one on occasion.
Ji-Sung Park – 7
Handed his second straight start since coming back from injury, Park played more defensively than he has been used to helping Evra out.
Antonio Valencia – 8
Started the match in his normal right wing position, but Valencia shifted right-back after Rafael went down injured, and he filled in quite seamlessly as well.
Wayne Rooney – 8
With a target on his back, Rooney produce a very disciplined display and was full value for his goal – second in as many games against Chelsea.
Javier Hernandez – 6
Like he always does, Chicharito created some very good chances with his pace and timely runs, but with Chelsea dominating the possession, he was often left standing up top alone.
Substitutions
Nani – 5
After being reduced to a substitute’s role, Nani came on for the injured Rafael, and it was clear that he may not be the same influential player he is from the bench.
Dimitar Berbatov – 5
Starting on the subs’ bench for the fifth straight game, Berbatov came on as a late substitution for Chicharito, but did not have a chance to stamp his presence on the outcome.
Chris Smalling – 5
Came on in stoppage time for Park to add more protection to the back-four, Smalling was not called into action much.
Overall – 8
Winning away from home, especially at Stamford Bridge and in Europe, is never easy for Manchester United, so for them to earn such a valuable victory it could be very uplifting result for the rest of their season.
Submitted by The United Religion
