Edwin van der Sar He couldn’t do much about either goal as both were unmarked, close-range headers from corners. He made a few fine stops, especially in the first-half with United really under pressure.

Rafael Plenty to do defensively. Made one brilliant intervention at the start of the second-half and was subject to a penalty claim from Blackpool, but it would perhaps have been harsh. Sad to see him go off after a clash of heads. Early reports suggest it's just concussion.

Chris Smalling Like the rest of the back four he was in for a tough night. This wasn’t as easy as his outing against Birmingham at the weekend. That's for sure.

Nemanja Vidic Bloodied and battle-weary, Vida will perhaps be annoyed – personal pride rather than culpability – at the defence conceding two headed goals. Almost turned the ball into his own net too at one point.

Patrice Evra United’s defence came in for a bit of a battering, physically and in football terms, in the first half. Pat got a bloody lip for his troubles, but battled on.

Darron Gibson Sacrificed at half-time and it was a necessary change to give the team more balance on that left side.