Man United vs Stoke Player Ratings

Manchester United

Tomasz Kuszczak - 5

Not tested at all.

Chris Smalling - 8

Incredibly, Smalling was the better of two central defenders - a great performance from the youngster who is still finding his feet at Old Trafford. Read the aerial bombardment well and was usually on hand to clear the danger. Kept Kenwyne Jones very quiet indeed.

Nemanja Vidic - 6

Left Dean Whitehead unmarked for Stoke's goal and made some uncharacteristically poor passes by his standards. Not his greatest game, but he did enough to keep Tuncay at bay.

Patrice Evra - 6.5

Got the better of Rory Delap almost every time he bombed down the flank. Did have some trouble controlling Andy Wilkinson though.

Rafael - 7.5

Stood up well to a very physical Stoke side and made some stirring runs up the pitch. Far better than the walking disaster that is Gary Neville.

Darron Gibson (off 78') - 3.5

Gave away the ball too often and failed to find the target with any of his long-range drives. A disappointing outing for the youngster.

Darren Fletcher - 7

Was energy personified - running from box to box and pulling opposition players with him. Some close passing with Giggs was quite eye-catching.

Ryan Giggs - 6.5

Showed some sparkling footwork in midfield and put in a great defensive shift as well.

Nani - 9

The Portuguese returned to fire his side to yet another important win. Assisted in the first goal, scored the second with a thunderous left-footed strike and generally made life a nightmare for Danny Collins.

Javier Hernández (off 78') - 8

Delved into his bag of tricks to pull out yet another magical goal, this time a back heel that flummoxed Ryan Shawcross and Asmir Begovic. Was a thorn in the defence's side throughout the time he was on.

Dimitar Berbatov - 4

Cut a frustrated figure throughout the game - shouting at anyone and everyone in sight. Just did not see enough of the ball.

Subs

Michael Owen (on 78') - n.a

Michael Carrick (on 78') - n.a

Stoke

Asmir Begovic - 5

Did not have too hectic a game. Couldn't have done anything about the goal.

Robert Huth - 4.5

Was sloppy with his headed clearances and failed to clear his lines effectively.

Ryan Shawcross - 7.5

His tackles in the box were perfectly timed and the youngster, who United have first rights on, was the best defender for his side along with Andy Wilkinson. Marked Hernandez well too, but the Mexican's trickery got the better of him for that goal.

Danny Collins - 4

Failed to support Etherington up front and struggled against Nani on the flank. The Portuguese winger cut in with far too much regularity for Tony Pulis' liking.

Andy Wilkinson - 8

Got forward at every possible opportunity and enjoyed a good tussle with Evra. Some of his tackles at the back were absolutely crucial as well. Top performance.

Marc Wilson - 5.5

Played some pleasing passes down the channel to bring the wingers into play, but was wasteful too often - with heavy touches letting Stoke down too often.

Dean Whitehead - 7

Scored the equalier with a superb header, but otherwise was quite disappointing - failing to strike up any understanding with Wilson - his partner in midfield.

Matthew Etherington (off 69') - 6

Was Stoke's most dangerous player - especially in the period immediately after the Potters equalised. His dead-ball delivery let him down though.

Rory Delap (off 69') - 4

Failed to control Evra, who was very active indeed on the right. His bullet throws were nullified to a large extent by the steep banks at Old Trafford. Didn't have much else to offer.

Tuncay Sanli - 6

Stoke's most hard-working player, but was left frustrated by some poor passing and lack of co-ordination amongst his teammates.

Kenwyne Jones (off 75') - 3

Had a very quiet night. Just could not get on the ball on that. Some credit must go to Smalling for that.

Subs

Jermaine Pennant (on 69') - 5

Struggled to have an impact on the game, although he did some good work defensively.

Jon Waters (on 69') - 4

Tried his best to link-up with Fuller as Stoke pressed for another equaliser, but to no avail.

Ricardo Fuller (on 76') - n.a