Antonio Valencia: Praised after the game by Sir Alex, the winger maintained his fine recent form with another energetic performance. Provided some decent crosses from the right and was denied a goal by a fine Schwarzer save early in the second half.

Michael Carrick: Quietly went about his job with some tidy passing and showed good composure in a congested midfield. His collision with Danny Murphy late on in the box was the game's big talking point with even Sir Alex admitting the Reds were lucky not to concede a penalty.

Ryan Giggs: By no means a vintage performance by the evergreen Welshman, but Giggs put in a decent shift, particularly after the break.

Ashley Young: Performed well throughout. Young provided the cross from the left which led to Rooney's winner and he was unlucky not to get on the score-sheet himself when he was denied by an excellent double-save by Schwarzer in the second period.

Wayne Rooney: On hand to net the crucial winner - his sixth goal in seven games this month and 28th for the campaign. Was heavily involved early on, but struggled to impose himself after the break with Sir Alex feeling the striker "tired" late on. Was replaced by Scholes 12 minutes from time.

Danny Welbeck: A quiet night for the United youngster despite always being a willing runner into the channels to stretch the Fulham rearguard.