Premier League Player Ratings: Manchester United v Sunderland
Manchester United had a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League over Arsenal and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786, as both teams lock horns tonight.
Sunderland have been a revelation this season and after 17 games, they proudly sat only seven points behind the league leaders.
However going to Old Trafford is never easy, no matter what sort of form you are in. That is exactly what the Sunderland players found out, as United comfortably overcame them 2-0.
Here are the player ratings from the Boxing Day encounter.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Edwin van der Sar: 6.0
The veteran had little to do throughout the 90 minutes, as the visitors failed to test the ageing reflexes of the Dutchman. However, he looked comfortable with the occasional long range shots from the Sunderland players.
Rafael Da Silva: 6.5
He certainly has managed to become Sir Alex’s first choice right-back. The little Brazilian again looked solid at the back, and joined attacks at almost every opportunity. He looked lively in the first half, but slightly faded away in the second.
Rio Ferdinand: 7.0
Ferdinand certainly looks back to his best. The England’s skipper seems to have his injury problems behind him, and he was as classy as you like for the whole 90 minutes.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nemanja-Vidic-c27550: 7.0
Like Rio, he too is in top form, and the duo complement each other nearly perfectly. At the moment nothing seems like getting past them. He easily shrugged off Gyan and Bent, and was easily the winner in the battle with the Ghanaian.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231: 6.5
He produced a similar performance to Rafael's on the opposite flank. He looked assured and bombed forward with purpose. Evra too calmed down in the second period, undoubtedly with an eye on the packed post-Christmas fixture list.
Ji Sung Park: 6.0
A player high in confidence, the Korean was yet again full of running. His work rate allowed the likes of Berbatov to express themselves. A more than satisfying display by the hard working midfielder.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Carrick-c25282: 7.0
Like most United players, Carrick is returning to full fitness and form. He looked sharp again and pulled the strings in midfield, and made some vital interceptions. He bossed the midfield along with the resurgent Anderson.
Anderson: 7.5
The Brazilian was in top form yet again, and was unlucky not to score when his shot came back off the cross bar. Nevertheless, he was instrumental in most of Manchester United’s attacks. He set up Berbatov with a delightful ball to ensure all three points.
He is certainly enjoying his best time as a United player.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ryan-Giggs-c31985: 7.0
The fact that he is over 35 and can still dribble past players is simply unbelievable. He looked sharp and was always looking for the killer pass. He contributed in United’s first goal, but is still not 100 percent fit.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dimitar-Berbatov-c11254: 8.0
One can only feel sorry that he is sacrificed in all the big games, when Sir Alex prefers to play Rooney as the lone striker. The league’s top scorer has now got 13 goals to his name, and some of his touches were simply sublime. He kept Sunderland’s defenders
busy and scored both United’s goals.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736: 6.5
Although he hasn’t scored a league goal from open play since March 2010, Rooney looked sharp and agile once again. He played his part in the first goal, and it’s only a matter of time that he finds the back of the net from open play.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Darren Gibson: 6.0
The youngster did no harm to his reputation for the time he was on the pitch, and did well after replacing Anderson in midfield.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Federico-Macheda-c13475: 5.5
The Italian was full of running as usual, but didn't make any meaningful contribution during his time on the pitch.
Javier Hernandez: N/A
The Mexican came on late for Berbatov, and had little time to make an impact.
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