Champions League Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg

Carrick goal keeps United in control of Group B.

Sep 30, 2009 11:35:51 PM

Michael Carrick grabs the winner for Manchester United against Wigan Athletic to send his side within a point of the title

Teams

By Matt Monaghan

MANCHESTER UNITED

Kuszczak - 6 - Rarely called in to action by the visitors. Saved well after Vidic's poor header let in Dzeko at start of the game.

O'Shea - 6 - A greater attacking presence than usual. The Irishman stormed up and down his sodden touchline and combined well with Valencia.

Ferdinand - 6 - More effective half of the United centre-back pairing. Kept Dzeko quiet and showed his usual flair on the ball when it came his way.

Vidic - 5 - Shaky night for the Serb. Headed his team into danger twice and seem flustered by the physical threat posed by Grafite. Could have been given his marching orders for a second booking.

Evra - 6 - Out jumped by Dzeko for the opener, although the size difference meant it was a no-contest. Exerted his usual threat going forward.

Valencia - 5 - A lack of confidence is stunting his growth at Old Trafford. He has the skills to make the cut, but they were kept in his locker as he chose the easy option too often. Wasted another chance to open his United account when put through by Berbatov in the first half.

Carrick - 8 - Exorcised the frustration caused by his time on the bench when he blasted United in to the lead. Wasn't scared to get forward throughout and distributed the ball well. Should have got on the score sheet earlier when put through by Berbatov.

Anderson - 6 - Mixed bag for the Brazilian. Was constantly trying to split the Wolfsburg defence, but his manager would have wanted him to be more accurate with his final ball.

Giggs - 7 - Claimed his 150th goal for the club in fortuitous circumstances after his free kick deflected past Benaglio. Didn't shine as brightly as he has done in recent weeks, but his class is ever present.

Owen - 5 - Are the injury problems re-emerging? Didn't last past the 20 minute mark tonight.

Rooney - 5 - Cut a frustrated figure up front. Seemed to be more interested in castigating his colleagues and the referee than living up to Ferguson's pre-match praise.

Substitutes

Berbatov - 7 - Got United ticking after his earlier than expected introduction to the fray. Laid on several chances for his team-mates.

Fletcher - n/a

WOLFSBURG

Benaglio - 5 - Seemed allergic to catching the ball. His punches un-nerved the defence and presented United with opportunities they shouldn't have been allowed.

Riether - 6 - Positive influence on the proceedings. Reflected his coach's desire to attack the Premier League champions at every attempt.

Madlung - 7 - Pillar of strength at the back for Wolfsburg. Put his head to every ball that was bombed in to the box and was quick to snaffle anything that came along the ground.

Ricardo Costa - 6 - Wasn't scared to put his foot through the ball or the opposition when asked to defend.

Schafer - 6 - Tried to push forward when possible and stood up reasonably well to the challenge posed by Valencia.

Josue - 6 - Late challenge on Anderson presented Giggs with the free kick for the equaliser. Kept the Wolfsburg machine ticking over for most of the 90 minutes.

Hasebe - 6 - Great vision to set up Dzeko. Tidy showing, but didn't get involved as much as he would have wanted to.

Misimovic - 7 - Always looked to work his way in to space when in possession and is the heart beat of the Wolfsburg team. Will cause problems for most sides in the competition.

Gentner - 6 - His inability to hit the ball with his wrong foot made him spurn a number of potential chances. Another day and he could have written his name in the stars.

Dzeko - 7 - His huge frame was a constant threat to United and he used it to full effect for his goal. Wasn't overawed by his surroundings and gave Vidic food for thought whenever he was involved.

Grafite - 7 - Proved to be quite the handful. Showcased his skill and power when called in to action, but was starved of possession.

Substitutes

Martins - n/a

Ziani - 5 - Only telling contribution was when he put off Anderson when he was through on goal. This wasn't how Veh imagined the schemer performing when he brought him on.

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