Player Ratings: AmaZulu 0-1 Manchester United

A solitary Federico Macheda goal was enough for Sir Alex Ferguson's men as they recorded a narrow win in South Africa

By Gill Clark

Comments

Amazulu FC

19

4

3.50

Tapuwa Kapini

The captain had a busy evening but kept the score down with some great saves. Was a little unfortunate with the goal as he got a touch on the ball but made important stops from Berbatov and Macheda in the first half and was alert to deny the Bulgarian again and Hernandez straight after the restart.
2

5

2.50

Piet Tsweu Mokoro

Looked nervy early on and put Kapini under pressure with a poor back pass. The full back found it tough going against his illustrious opponents.
2

5

2.50

B. Bukasa

Tried valiantly to prevent Macheda’s goal from going it, but could not hack it off the line and actually got the final touch. Found the pace of Hernandez troubling but fortunately for him the Mexican was in wasteful mood.
3

5

2.50

Carrington Nyadombo

Booked for hauling back Lingard on the edge of the box just before the break, but improved as the game wore on.
7

2

3.00

Mark Van Heerden

Great tackle to deny Macheda in the early stages, prominent on the left and made another vital clearance from a Macheda cross. Went close late on with a free-kick that had Lindegaard worried.
7

3

3.00

Ayanda Phelelani Dlamini

Forced Lingard into a great save on 20 minutes, before wasting another chance with a really poor effort.
2

5

2.50

Ramson Zhuwawo

Made little impact in truth, found it difficult to get into the game against United's midfield which dominated the ball, particularly in the first half.
4

4

3.00

Kagiso Thabiso Senamela

His bleach blond mohawk ensured he caught the eye and he was always available for a pass, sent Dlamini through brilliantly just before the break, but the shot was poor and United escaped.
2

5

2.50

Bongani Mbhele

Struggled to get into the game in the first half, and found Veseli a tough opponent.
5

4

3.00

Goodman Sthembiso Dlamini

Amazulu's best player but his shooting let him down. Played just off the front man and had Amazulu’s first chance of the match, a great opening from the edge of the box but he blasted it high and wide into the stands. Had a host of other opportunities, but could not beat Lindegaard.
3

5

2.50

Sifiso Vilakazi

Linked well with DIamini on the few times he saw the ball but was outshone by his fellow forward in truth.

Substitutions

4

5

3.00

Dulee Johnson

Replaced DIamini and did well in the second half as Amazulu improved and enjoyed far more possession.
4

7

2.50

Stanley Matwafawe Kgatla

Came on in the second half for Zhuwawo but could not help find the breakthrough the hosts needed to equalise.
3

4

2.50

Josef Lekata

Had one good effort in the second half but could not make it count, firing high over Lindegaard's crossbar.
2

4

3.00

Mbongeni Mzimela

Replaced the captain Kapini between the sticks and delivered a good performance. He was beaten late on by Petrucci but will have been relieved to see his effort cannon back off the post.
2

5

Mxolisi Mayonga

A late sub, had no time to make an impact.

Man Utd.

80

4

3.50

Anders Lindegaard

Had little to do in the first half until he was forced into a great low save from DIamini. Made two important stops after the break, particularly to deny DIamini after Carrick had given the ball away and deserved his clean sheet.
60

4

3.00

Frederic Veseli

A decent half for the young Swiss defender who looked comfortable at the back and did well against Mbele. Taken off at the break and replaced by Vermijl.
46

15

3.00

Scott Wootton

Alongside Rio Ferdinand in central defence, the youngster looked to be enjoying himself and made some good challenges. Got forward at times too, and had a great chance to score, but his poor first touch let him down.
41

23

3.00

Rio Ferdinand

The skipper was caught out on a couple of occasions, but Amazulu could not profit. Otherwise looked comfortable and cruised through the evening.
60

4

3.00

Robbie Brady

Defensively did OK but looked a threat going forward. Also provided a great corner to set up Berbatov for a volley that was saved. Taken off on the hour mark.
73

7

3.50

Jesse Lingard

Really bright initially and will have impressed. The youngster linked up well with Berbatov, Macheda and Hernandez and saw plenty of the ball. Made some great late runs from midfield although he faded a little after the break.
38

15

2.50

Michael Carrick

Neat and tidy as always, he kept United ticking over but was frequently on hand to help out his defence. A bad mistake at the start of the second half almost allowed Amazulu to equalise but his blushes were spared by goalkeeper Lindegaard.
46

8

3.00

Paul Scholes

Not perhaps as influential as he would have liked, but helped United dominate possession and was given a huge reception when he was replaced on 70 minutes.
74

18

3.50

Federico Macheda Top of the Match

The pick of the United forwards, and opened the scoring with a neat finish. Had another great chance right on half-time but could not double his tally and was replaced after an hour.
95

10

3.00

Dimitar Berbatov

Played a deeper role than usual and oozed class throughout. Set up Macheda for the first goal and almost scored a superb goal himself, with a brilliant volley which was superbly saved by Kapini.
31

72

2.00

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez Flop of the Match

A sluggish showing from the Mexican. Frequently caught offside, his first touch was poor and he missed a second minute sitter. Better after the break, but was denied by Kapini before wasting another chance after good work by Anderson.

Substitutions

43

15

2.50

Anderson

Came on midway through the second half, set up Hernandez with a great dinked ball which deserved a goal but the Mexican could not apply the finish.
122

14

Shinji Kagawa

A very late substitute and even his warm-up had the crowd on their feet. Given the last few minutes but no time to make an impact.
50

8

2.50

Ryan Tunnicliffe

Came on for Scholes and was give the last 20 minutes, settled into the team comfortably but made little impact.
44

13

2.50

Marnick Vermijl

Replaced Veseli at the break and was solid enough in the face of increasing pressure.