Edwin van der Sar – Saved well with his feet early on, and again in the second half from Endo’s free-kick. Unlucky to concede three, he was close to Endo’s spot-kick.

Gary Neville – A solid display from the skipper. Looked fit, sharp and determined to cement his place as first-choice right-back. Harsh penalty decision against him.

Rio Ferdinand - Cool and classy in the first half, but Rio won’t be happy to have conceded three goals in the half as United stepped off the gas.

Nemanja Vidic – Strong header for his goal and the Japanese opponents couldn’t cope with the Serbian’s aerial presence. United missed him when he went off with a knock.

Patrice Evra – These games are important to Patrice as he’s suspended domestically until 11 January. Lively as an attacking threat, with a fine cross for Fletch’s goal.

Nani – The Portuguese wide man was full of tricks and threatened on both flanks as he regularly switched with fellow countryman Ronaldo.

Anderson – Energetic in midfield and he picked out some fantastic through-balls. Had a great chance to score but fluffed his header.

Paul Scholes – Still working on his match sharpness after a couple of months out injured. His passing was at its consummate best through.

Cristiano Ronaldo – The World Player of the Year on the world