Player Ratings – Manchester United v Blackpool, Old Trafford, 22.05.11

Starting XI:

Edwin Van Der Sar – 7

In his farewell appearance at Old Trafford, Edwin would have been disappointed to concede 2 goals. Beaten on ‘his’ side for the Adam free-kick and unable to stop Taylor-Fletcher’s clever flick towards goal, it wasn’t the perfect farewell (clean sheet wise) for the legendary Dutchman but the spontaneous applause he got before, during and after the match was testament to his services for the club. #Legend

Rafael – 6.5

Staking his claim for a place in the starting XI next Saturday, Rafael had a pretty good 45 minutes in which he reminded us of his attacking prowess. Easily the most dangerous option going forward against Barcelona, we will have to wait and see if Sir Alex believes he is too risky to play on Saturday or not, considering his defensive naivety and inclination to make rash challenges. #Gamble

Nemanja Vidic – 6.5

Keen to keep his key players match sharp and avoid Premier League unrest, by fielding a weakened team, Sir Alex chose to field Nemanja despite the risk of injury it carried. Picking up his Barclays Premier League Player of the Year Award, Vidic had a busy day against Blackpool’s forward three but I’m sure it will only act as good preparation for the attacking bombardment that awaits next Saturday. #Warrior

Jonny Evans– 7

In good form, following his mid-season breakdown, Evans was solid throughout but I still have question marks over his general fitness, having seen him crouched over, seemingly suffering from cramp, for the last 5 minutes once again. #BootCamp

Patrice Evra- 6.5

He may not have had the most inspiring game going forward but Patrice showed his fitness and surely guaranteed his starting place next Saturday, if only for the legendary manner in which he bowed down to Van Der Sar near the end of the match. #TeamPlayer

Nani- 4.5

Having already been omitted from the teams in Moscow & Rome, you would think Nani would be totally committed to earning a place in the starting XI, at Wembley, next week. However, the Portuguese winger was consistently wasteful in possession and lazy tracking back, something you wouldn’t expect to see from someone fighting for a place in a Champions League Final. #Disappointing.

Darren Fletcher– 6

Putting in a solid shift, Darren did well to stay on for 90 minutes but I would still be surprised to even see him make the bench on Saturday. #Tired

Paul Scholes- 6

Caught in possession within the first 30 seconds, Paul had a tough match against Blackpool’s bustling midfielder but considering his incredible passing range and vision, I’m still hoping he’ll stay on for just one more season. #Legend

Anderson- 8

With one goal and one assist to his name, Anderson had a very fruitful game in which he showed his high levels of match fitness. If Sir Alex does decide to go with a 5 man midfield next week, the Brazilian really did put himself into contention with his impressive performance. #FoodForThought

Ji Sung Park– 8

Putting his name onto the score-sheet once again, Park has most certainly addressed the main weakness of his game with 8 goals in 24 games this season. Arguably one of the first names on the team-sheet next week, lets hope the South Korean can improve that tally further. #Shoot

8 Goals in 24 Games- Not Too Bad…

Dimitar Berbatov- 5

Desperately in need of just one goal, to win the Golden Boot outright, the Bulgarian had a frustrating day up front, thanks to a combination of great defending and over-casual finishing. Failing to take his tally to 21 goals, in the Premier League, Berbatov may well rue the missed opportunities as he spectates from the bench next week. #OutOfForm

Substitutes

Chris Smalling- 7

Coming on in the second half, for the injured Fabio, Smalling once again played in the unfamiliar role of RB, where he earned one fortunate assist. #Versatile

Micheal Owen- 7

Topping off what was a wonderful day for the club with a typically astute finish, Owen showed that although he may have lost his electrifying pace, he is still as clinical as they come in front of goal. Approaching the end of his contract, I personally believe we’ll see him at Old Trafford next season considering his thirst for silverware and happily settled family. A great example to the likes of Chicarito and Welbeck, I think he would jump at the opportunity of taking another pay-as-you-play contract. #ModelPro

Wayne Rooney- N/A

Referee

Mike Dean- 7

Despite missing a clear penalty (something very strange for Dean), I thought the referee judged the temperature of the game very well and allowed it flow through his consistent use of the advantage. Given this fixture as a reward for his excellent performances this season, I think it was much deserved. #Applause