Played
February 2, 2013 5:30 PM GMT
Craven Cottage — London
Referee:‬ K. Friend‎
Attendance:‬ 25670‎
 
 
Wayne Rooney 79′
   
 
 

Player Ratings: Fulham 0-1 Manchester United

Mark Schwarzer and David de Gea were regularly called into action during an entertaining clash in which Wayne Rooney's fine late finish was ultimately the difference

By Tom J Doyle

  • Mark Schwarzer
    56
    27
    3.50

    Mark Schwarzer Top of the Match

    Commanding in his area from corners, and produced two wonder saves early on to keep Fulham level. A great performance and could do nothing about the goal.

  • John Arne Riise
    45
    12
    3.50

    John Arne Riise

    Saw a wonderful 30-yard volley tipped just over by De Gea and fed Ruiz to hit the post. Delighted the crowd with a lay-down header back to his keeper.

  • Philippe Senderos
    11
    26
    3.00

    Philippe Senderos

    Was in the right place to clear the danger with his head on a number of occasions. A solid presence, but his mistake late on was costly.

  • Brede Hangeland
    15
    21
    3.50

    Brede Hangeland

    Produced a vital tackle on Evra to deny the France defender an easy shot on goal after 15 minutes, but came off at half time.

  • Chris Baird
    9
    22
    3.00

    Chris Baird

    Clever in possession and a combative presence in the first half.

  • Sascha Riether
    21
    15
    3.50

    Sascha Riether

    Coped well with Nani on the left. Was beaten at times but harried the winger, and put in good crosses of his own.

  • Giorgos Karagounis
    16
    22
    3.00

    Giorgos Karagounis

    Showed no fear on the big occasion, moving the ball well and cleverly winning free kicks in a frenetic atmosphere. Replaced by Emanuelson.

  • Damien Duff
    18
    19
    3.50

    Damien Duff

    Used all of his experience in midfield. It is no surprise he is one of the league's top assist-makers with his clever movement - though it brought no rewards here.

  • Ashkan Dejagah
    39
    20
    3.00

    Ashkan Dejagah

    Went close with an early shot and got forward well to support from midfield.

  • Bryan Ruiz
    34
    15
    3.00

    Bryan Ruiz

    Showed great poise to shoot against the post after 15 minutes, but was guilty of gifting possession to the visitors too often.

  • Hugo Rodallega
    10
    29
    3.00

    Hugo Rodallega

    A willing runner, he showed intelligence to move between Evans and Ferdinand across the front line. United couldn't deal with him at times.

Substitutions

  • Aaron Hughes
    7
    17
    3.00

    Aaron Hughes

    Was introduced at half-time for Hangeland and was equally composed in the air.

  • Emmanuel Frimpong
    10
    52
    2.50

    Emmanuel Frimpong

    Given a 25-minute cameo but offered little of note. Saw a late shot blocked.

  • Urby Emanuelson
    10
    23
    2.50

    Urby Emanuelson

    Given a 25-minute cameo but offered little of note. Saw a late shot blocked.

  • Mladen Petric
    10
    17

    Mladen Petric

    Came on for the last 10 minutes but couldn't find an equaliser.

  • David de Gea
    247
    5
    3.50

    David de Gea

    Produced two wonderful saves to deny Riise then Ruiz, and coped with the aerial threat well.

  • Rafael
    143
    8
    3.00

    Rafael

    A little clumsy in the touch early on but always offered a threat down the right. Great header off the line.

  • Patrice Evra
    159
    7
    3.50

    Patrice Evra

    Showed great attacking intent but should have scored with his first early chance that hit the bar.

  • Rio Ferdinand
    156
    9
    3.00

    Rio Ferdinand

    Dealt competently with the ball in the air but looked a tad slow on the turn. Made some vital late headers.

  • Jonny Evans
    130
    12
    3.00

    Jonny Evans

    Moved the ball about well but like Ferdinand was guilty of losing track of Rodallega on occasion. Also provided a strong presence late on like his defensive partner.

  • Antonio Valencia
    56
    117
    2.50

    Antonio Valencia Flop of the Match

    Shot wastefully wide early on and is struggling to replicate his usual high levels of performance in a red shirt. Rightfully replaced by Chicharito.

  • Michael Carrick
    130
    11
    3.00

    Michael Carrick

    Quick to harry opponents in the centre, he is integral to United's high-tempo style in games such as these. Wasted possession unnecessarily at times, however.

  • Nani
    114
    53
    2.50

    Nani

    Looked to use his quick feet to cut in from the left but didn't deliver a killer ball, and wasted too many crosses when positioned well.

  • Tom Cleverley
    120
    25
    3.00

    Tom Cleverley

    Energetic and tidy as usual from the young England midfielder but has to get into scoring positions more often.

  • Wayne Rooney
    211
    33
    2.50

    Wayne Rooney

    Almost opened the scoring twice including hitting the post, but got caught up in a few too many battles. Provided the game's decisive moment with a great finish.

  • Robin van Persie
    158
    19
    3.00

    Robin van Persie

    Cultured on the ball and in his deliveries, but Hangeland and Senderos marshalled him well. Wasted a good header early in the second half. Made a vital late header off the line.

Substitutions

  • Ryan Giggs
    106
    12
    3.00

    Ryan Giggs

    Had 15 minutes to turn the tie, and proved to be a calming presence in a fraught ending

  • Chicharito
    105
    22
    2.50

    Chicharito

    Given 25 minutes to change the game but couldn't find his usual key positions.

  • Danny Welbeck
    77
    27

    Danny Welbeck

    Came on for Nani late on, but had no time to make an impact.

Results
 
Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Robin van Persie Robin van Persie
Striker
Manchester United
26 3
Luis Suárez Luis Suárez
Striker
Liverpool
23 0
Gareth Bale Gareth Bale
Midfielder
Tottenham
21 0
C. Benteke C. Benteke
Striker
Aston Villa
19 3
Michu Michu
Midfielder
Swansea City
19 0