Man Utd v Aston Villa Player Rating. Man Utd 3 (Rooney 1, 45, Vidic 62) -1 (Bent 57) Aston Villa Full Time. 1 February 2011, Old TRAFFORD Attendance 75,256
Edwin van der Sar – Showed exactly why he’ll be missed; distribution, organisation and authority. Bent's goal apart, he barely had a shot to save all night because of his marshalling, and got United off to the perfect start with an incredible 70-yard assist inside a minute.
John O’Shea – Solid as a rock. Kept the lively Albrighton on a short leash throughout and allowed very little danger to pass down his flank. Young provided a different challenge, but Sheasy was up to the task.
Nemanja Vidic - Copy and paste the skipper’s review from any game this season. As ever, utterly imperious.
Rio Ferdinand – Everything you would expect. Cool and calm throughout, but no nonsense when the situation called for decisive action. Gave Bent almost nothing.
Patrice Evra – Magnificent. Linked up superbly with Giggs and joined several attacks. Only denied a fine goal by Friedel’s smart stop. The all-action approach also extended to his defensive work – though he was one of those caught out in the build-up to Bent’s goal.
Nani – Such a thorn in Villa’s side. Ciaran Clark had a tough evening against the winger, who put in a perfect cross for Rooney’s second on the stroke of half-time.
Michael Carrick – Despite a mid-match change of midfield partner, Carrick was the understated hub of United’s game. Decisive with possession and effective defensively, he operated well in a withdrawn role.
Darren Fletcher - A busy, buzzing outing from the Scot, but it was curtailed after just over half an hour due to an eye injury.
Ryan Giggs – Does he ever get bored of being brilliant? A continuation of his excellent recent form, Ryan’s vision and functionality crippled Villa.
Dimitar Berbatov – For once, an Old Trafford outing without goals – though he had his chances. Not to detract from his overall performance, however, which was once again excellent.
Wayne Rooney – Playing on instinct again, the striker’s pair of finishes smacked of last season’s all-conquering Rooney. Quieter after the break, but still only denied a hat-trick by a superb save from Friedel.
SUBSTITUTES
Anderson (on for Fletcher, 34 mins) – The Brazilian barely touched the ball in the final stages of the first half, but stamped his authority on the second period and was involved in much of United’s best attacking play.
SUBSTITUTES
Anderson (on for Fletcher, 34 mins) – The Brazilian barely touched the ball in the final stages of the first half, but stamped his authority on the second period and was involved in much of United’s best attacking play.
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