Edwin van der Sar
Had little to do in the match, although claimed bravely at Robinho’s feet in the first half. Alert until the final whistle, he and Evra combined to keep out Dunne’s late shot.

Rafael
Unfazed by the occasion, Rafael didn’t temper his attack-minded game. Defensively he was sound, too, although he was rarely tested one-on-one. Unlucky to be booked for throwing the ball in the air.

Rio Ferdinand
Another top performance from Rio, who calmly marshalled United’s back four and made sure City didn’t breach the defensive line.

Nemanja Vidic
Went in bravely with Micah Richards early on and has the stud marks down his chest to prove it. Never gave Robinho or Benjani any space.

Patrice Evra
Faced a tough test against lightning-fast Shaun Wright-Phillips but managed to contain the England winger well. Also bombed forward and threatened down the left flank.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Sent off for a second time at Eastlands, Ronaldo never really sparked. That’s not to say he was ineffective – he kept the ball well, played the ball into Rooney and Berbatov and even helped out at the back.

Michael Carrick
Alongside Fletcher, Carrick bossed the midfield. It was his shot that led to