Sunderland

3.23

• 
  35

  14

  3.00

  Simon Mignolet

  Relatively untested, coped competently when called upon.

• 
  39

  13

  3.50

  Nedum Onuoha

  An accomplished performance from the young defender, coping well defensively and nearly getting onto the scoresheet with a first half effort from close range.

• 
  34

  10

  3.50

  Michael Turner

  Dominant presence, got a good block onto a Nani strike in the first half and generally marshalled his defence well. A strong display.

• 
  33

  13

  3.00

  Titus Bramble

  Looks to be forming a good partnership with Turner. He was calm under pressure and always seemed to make the right decision.

• 
  32

  11

  3.00

  Phil Bardsley

  Solid performance, restricted Nani’s contribution – shackling the Portuguese winger.

• 
  73

  32

  3.50

  Steed Malbranque Top of the Match

  Orchestrated Sunderland’s early attacks and had a gilt-edged opportunity to put his side in the first half that went begging. His contributions really lifted the crowd and he was his side’s talisman.

• 
  32

  11

  3.50

  Lee Cattermole

  Powerful run to set up Malbranque for a great early chance. Put the United midfield under good pressure and did a good job of breaking up opposition attacks. Controlled aggression from the Sunderland captain.

• 
  23

  17

  3.00

  Jordan Henderson

  Tried a tricky volley from the edge of the area then went just wide of the target. At times struggled to get into the game but worked hard to stifle the United midfielders.

• 
  31

  13

  3.00

  Boudewijn Zenden

  Eager to spray long passes forward for Bent to chase and hit the post with a fizzing left-footed drive towards the end of the first half.

• 
  128

  12

  3.50

  Ahmed El Mohamady

  Got the better of O’Shea throughout with a smart display. Some lively touches, nutmegging O’Shea on one occasion.

• 
  37

  16

  3.00

  Darren Bent

  A willing runner for his side and pestered both Ferdinand and Vidic constantly. Combined well with Malbranque when Sunderland got into the final third.

Substitutions

• 
  13

  15

  0.00

  Andy Reid

  Was prepared to get the ball into the box from wide but rarely found a Sunderland head.

• 
  60

  22

  0.00

  Asamoah Gyan

  Showed application but a chance didn’t fall his way despite getting into good positions. Couldn’t compete in the air with Vidic and Ferdinand.

Man Utd.

2.82

• 
  85

  35

  3.00

  Edwin van der Sar

  Looked slightly shaky on crosses, but got out well to deny Malbranque in the first half. Wasn’t really tested by the Black Cats.

• 
  113

  29

  3.00

  Rafael Silva

  Managed to cope with Zenden relatively well and looked solid. Didn’t contribute much in an attacking sense but was one of his side’s brighter performers.

• 
  90

  32

  3.00

  Rio Ferdinand

  Dealt well with the aerial threat posed by Sunderland. A sturdy performance.

• 
  184

  30

  3.50

  Nemanja Vidic

  Captained and lead by example, an absolute rock for his side. Got across to snuff out any danger in the channels and was resolute in the air.

• 
  63

  74

  2.50

  John O'Shea

  Struggled to handle the trickery of Elmohamady throughout.

• 
  62

  93

  2.50

  Nani

  Largely shackled by Bardsley in the first half. Did have an attempt with a free-kick but it bobbled wide of the target. Generally poor quality from set pieces.

• 
  74

  56

  2.50

  Paul Scholes

  Wasn’t his normal self, couldn’t dictate the play with his usual passing master class. Was out of the game for long periods.

• 
  44

  64

  3.00

  Darren Fletcher

  Was average, didn’t grab the game by the scruff of the neck like he can do and was overshadowed by Cattermole.

• 
  60

  112

  2.50

  Anderson

  Had a fleeting impact on the game and was wasteful when he did gather possession, a bit more positive in the second half but still flattered to deceive. Had a chance to impress today and failed to take it.

• 
  56

  81

  2.50

  Federico Macheda

  Anonymous for long spells in the first half and his contribution in the second half was mainly testing the assistant’s flag raising skills before he was withdrawn.

• 
  123

  125

  2.50

  Michael Owen Flop of the Match

  Disappointing showing from the former Newcastle United striker. The service to him wasn’t the best, but when he did get the ball he couldn’t make it stick.

Substitutions

• 
  117

  62

  3.00

  Bebe

  Made lively runs but didn't see much of the ball.

• 
  138

  42

  3.00

  Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez

  Didn’t make much of a contribution. Fired over from the edge of the area in the closing stages.

• 
  152

  37

  3.00

  Dimitar Berbatov

  Had the ball in the net within a minute of coming on the field, but he was offside on that occasion. Didn’t make much more of an impact than the forward he replaced, despite providing a slightly better outlet.