Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal

Nervy start as he allowed Arshavin to run past him but responded with an assured display, a vast improvement on his performance at Liverpool last week.

Such a composed display from the young defender, who showed anticipation, strength and timing to keep Arsenal at bay.

The United captain won almost every header in the penalty area and stuck tight to van Persie, denying the Arsenal striker time and space to influence the game.

Let Nasri know what he was in for with an aggressive late challenge early on his compatriot. Defended with tenacity throughout and linked up well with Fabio - but gestures toward the Arsenal fans were ill-advised.

It certainly wasn't pretty but the Irishman knew his job and performed it well. Sat deep at the base of the United midfield to break up Arsenal attacks and track runners from midfield.

Driving force for the hosts as he played in a right midfield role in the first half before moving infield after the break. Involved in both United goals, producing a fine cross in the build up to Rooney's strike. Replaced by Giggs in the 64th minute.

Scored his second goal for the club by finishing a move he started himself. Linked up superbly with Rafael and Rooney and continued his run to turn the ball into an empty net. Vibrant and energetic before being replaced by Valencia at half-time.

Stayed tactically disciplined to keep his position alongside O'Shea and block off passes for Arsenal. Neat and tidy in possession but made few attacking runs and lacked quality with his final ball.

Continued his return to form by stealing in to nod home United's second, an opportunist poacher's goal. Also played a part in the first with a lovely first-time pass to Hernandez. Did his job for the team by playing on the left in the second half but did sometimes drop too deep.

Forced the opening goal with a tremendous bit of movement and accurate header that forced Almunia into a diving save. The Mexican's movement was exceptional as he always stayed on his toes and was hungry for a chance to score. In the mix for Rooney's header and nearly got on the scoresheet with two late efforts.

A decent performance from the Spaniard to build on his impressive display against Barcelona as he denied Hernandez with two fine saves. Solid handling and unfortunate to concede the opening goal after he saved from Hernandez at full stretch.

Solid defensive display from the Frenchman and produced a couple of dangerous late crosses to make up for his sloppy final delivery in the first half.

Caught on his heels as Fabio stole in to give United the lead, a lapse in concentration that cost his team. In general, he coped well against Hernandez's movement and nearly got on the scoresheet but was denied by a double save from Van der Sar.

The big Swiss center-back was a tad unlucky as he blocked Hernandez's shot only for the ball to pop up for Rooney to head home. Composed on the ball and showed excellent pace when required. Forced off late on with a dislocated shoulder that looked very painful.

Showed good pace and strength but struggled against the direct running of Fabio and then Valencia, which in turned meant he stood too far off the Ecuadorian winger. Ventured forward very little.

Started the game very brightly with neat passing and some strong tackling, but switched off completely and didn't track back in the build up to Fabio's opener. Replaced just before the hour as Arsenal went in search of goals.

Another fine display from the young England international. All over the pitch as he played with imagination and pinpoint passing, while never neglecting his defensive duties with committed tackling and pressing. Didn't deserve to be on the losing team and kept fighting until the very end.

An ineffective performance from the Russia, who seemed to be lacking half a yard of pace. Had an early effort on goal but did not get enough on the ball to trouble Van der Sar.

The Frenchman looked like he may be the man to unlock the door but was continually denied by the in-form Van der Sar as he fired fierce shots on target. Showed a willingness to take responsibility by moving infield but could never unlock the door.

Flattered to deceive and lacked drive and determination despite his accurate passing. Drifted further and further out of the game once Arsenal went behind before he was replaced by Ramsey.

The good news for Arsenal is that the Dutchman played the full 90 minutes despite his recent knee injury. Unlucky not to score with a powerful right-footed shot in the first half and a curling effort that just missed the target in the second period.