Edwin van der Sar – A double save to deny Koscielny, and a close-range parry to keep out Chamakh’s header were the highlights of an outstanding display

Wes Brown – Understandably looked a bit rusty at right-back, having not played there since November; endured a difficult shift at right-back against Arshavin and co

Chris Smalling – Had the measure of Arsenal after tough times against Chelsea and Liverpool; almost teed up Giggs at the other end with a salmon-esque leap

Nemanja Vidic – Showed what we were missing at Anfield with a commanding captain’s performance, peppered with blocks, headers and vital interceptions

Patrice Evra – Coped well with his countryman Nasri during a busy first half; had more respite and opportunity to go forward in the second period before being subbed

Rafael – Relished 64 minutes on the right wing; helped to create the first goal for Fabio after almost converting his brother’s cross with a header just over the bar

Darron Gibson – The only natural midfielder in United’s eleven had to play a more conservative game than normal, in the face of plentiful