Player Ratings – Manchester United v Chelsea, Old Trafford, 09.05.11

Starting XI:

Edwin Van Der Sar – 7

As the last line of defence, Edwin was imperious, as usual. Making his penultimate appearance at Old Trafford, the Dutch keeper made some wonderful saves and  performed the ‘sweeper’ role expertly. Having watched David De Gea on Friday, it is clear that he has a lot to learn if he is to fully replace Edwin, having spilled a shot which led to a goal, something Van Der Sar just doesn’t do. #Faultless

Fabio – 6

Playing on what is bizarrely his weaker side (when going forward), Fabio was solid at the back; where he, along with Ferdinand, contained the threat of the narrowly positioned Florent Malouda. Surprisingly, he never had much more to do because Antonio Valencia did such a good job on Ashely Cole, the ‘world’s best LB.’ #Contained

Nemanja Vidic – 8

Scoring the crucial goal, which put the result beyond doubt (Man United have never lost from a 2 0 lead), Nemanja put in a captain’s performance of typical steel and tenacity. Looking at the goal, it summed up all of his best qualities; bravery, drive, determination. #Leader

Two Goals – Two Incredible Players

Rio Ferdinand – 7.5

Up against Didier Drogba, @RioFerdy5 played majestically at the back, once again, where he is really showing how well he has overcome the injury problems which have ruined his past two seasons. Strong in the air and typically tidy on the ground, he didn’t allow Fernando Torres a touch when Chelsea decided to play two up top. #Winning

John O’Shea- 6

Making his 300th start for Manchester United (according to BBC Sport), the Irishman was both predictably solid at the back and unspectacular going forward, before injury forced him off at half time. #AlwaysASixMan

Antonio Valencia- 9

Having consistently performed well, and much better than CR7, against Ashley Cole, I wasn’t surprised to see him totally outplay questionably the world’s best LB, in Ashley Cole. Winning only 2 of his 7 tackles, against the Ecuadorian (who made 8 successful challenges in the Chelsea half himself), it was clear that Cole was scared of Valencia’s pace, strength and trickery. Unlucky not to provide an assist, when Hernandez headed over the bar, it will a simply marvellous display, in all respects, from the winger. #WhoNeedsChristano

” #AntonioValencia. Took the “world’s best full back” to school. Hounorable mentions to #JiSungPark and #MichaelCarrick.” @theleonwilliams

Michael Carrick– 8

Once again, I would like to extend an apology to Micheal for doubting him, another top draw performance! #XaviWho

Ryan Giggs- 9

Playing in a 2 man midfield (with the occasional help of Ji Sung Park), Ryan once again taught the Chelsea triumvirate of Lampard, Mikel and Essien a lesson. Wonderfully agile and controlled, the Welshman simply picked his passes and set up many promising attacks. However, he was equally adept at breaking up Chelsea’s attacks, with his trademark sweeping slide-tackle and rapid acceleration. #Maestro

“MOTM Giggs, he took control when park’s endeavour was waining brought calm to the middle under pressure” @rorycobbe

37 Years Old… Never!

Ji Sung Park – 9

Words simply fail to describe his energy, his enthusiasm and the perpetual motion which he exhibits – I think only the image of a Duracell bunny really does him justice! Drifting in from the left, where Sir Alex didn’t mind giving Ivanovic time on the ball, he picked up Giggs’ pass within the first 30 seconds and played a great through ball to Hernandez, for the first goal. Adding to this, the South Korean hustled and rustled the Chelsea midfield throughout the 90 minutes, where he tackled tenaciously and redistributed play with his quick feet and efficient short passes. Since the final in Rome, two years ago, he really has developed into an all-rounded footballer. #NonStop

“Hard to decide between Giggs, Park and Tony V. But I go for Park. He ran through whole match. Won  a number of important balls.” @mitotweet

Chicharito – 8

Exactly 59 seconds after he finished praying, Hernandez put us 1 0 up. #Divine

“Chicharito – great movement, great vision, great finisher. Natural footballer and a legend in the making. #BEL19VE” @TsarLiam

Best 1-on-1 Finisher in the PL?

Wayne Rooney – 7.5

Playing in between Hernandez and the midfield, as a traditional #10, Wayne was in superb form but it seemed he was destined not to get on the score sheet. Getting into good positions, he tested Cech with some ferocious shots but the keeper was up to the task. Regardless, his general contribution going forward was huge, as he showed with his impressive passing range. When we get to Wembley, at the end of the month, I have a feeling it will be Wayne’s performance (good/bad) which will decide the outcome of the final. #World-Class

Wayne Linked up with AV Superbly Throughout!

Substitutes

Jonny Evans- 7.5

Having been slightly concerned when I saw the Northern Irishman warming up at half-time, I was somewhat pleased to see him playing on the left side of defence. From that position, I thought he put in his performance of the season, in which he provided an outlet on the left, while putting in some crunching tackles. #RaisedHisGame

Chris Smalling- 7

Coming on for the final 10 minutes for the injured Fabio, Smalling played in an unfamilar position on the right. Unsurprisngly, considering his athletic build, physical prowess and technical ability he was a great addition at the back, from which he made some crucial headers and ferocious runs. #Athlete

Referee

Howard Webb- 7

Perhaps too keen to keep Ivanovic on the pitch (considering the occasion), I thought Webb generally showed an excellent grasp of foul recognition and man management. Always keen to keep a high level of match control, Howard may not have let the game flow as much as some referees but I though he struck a great balance. Refereeing a difficult game, I thought it was a solid display from the WC Final referee (much to the FA’s relief).

Webb wanted to keep it 11 x 11…

Reunited with his WC linesman for the first time since the Final, I thought the ‘junior’ assistant (always works away from the dugout), Mike Mullarkey, didn’t have one of his best games, in which, I felt, he missed a penalty, with Lampard’s handball, and called Hernandez off-side from his own half. The senior assistant however, Darren Cann, showed why he is considered the best linesman in the world, when he correctly called both Hernandez & Lampard onside for their goals, when a lesser assistant would have simply raised their flag, just in case.

All things considered, a great display from the officials. #PerfectTeam