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United ratings: majestic Rooney gives masterclass

Striking moment: Rooney celebrates the composed finish that has given Manchester United the advantage over Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final
Striking moment: Rooney celebrates the composed finish that has given Manchester United the advantage over Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final
MARC ASPLAND FOR THE TIMES

4-4-2

Average rating 6.8

Edwin van der Sar

8 A fine save after 19 minutes to deny Drogba. Then a stunning stop to deny Torres a first Chelsea goal. How can he possibly be allowed to retire? There should be a law against it.

Rafael Da Silva

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7 He is reading the game ever better. Allied to his boundless energy, that makes him a very exciting talent, but he was taken off on a stretcher after 51 minutes after Drogba collision.

Rio Ferdinand

7 His first appearance since February 1 and although he lost the England captaincy in the meantime, it was like he had never been away. Straight into the old routine with Vidic.

Nemanja Vidic

7 The latest chapter in the battle with Torres, who is not the nemesis of old. Rightly annoyed when the striker tried to win a penalty at his expense in the first half. Standard strong effort.

Patrice Evra

5 The weakest link in the defence, but made a vital contribution by clearing off the line from Lampard just before half-time. Got away with a clear late foul on Ramires in the box.

Antonio Valencia

6 Mainly useful for preoccupying Cole, making the left back wary of going beyond halfway. Disciplined defensively and gave glimpses of the zest United missed while he was injured.

Michael Carrick

8 Deferential when he should dominate, he is the football equivalent of taking tea with the vicar. In fine form last night, though, and set up the opening goal with a smart pass to Giggs.

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Ryan Giggs

8 The other cushion of United’s sedan-chair central midfield but such an effective probe that Nasa should sign him. Always liable to set up an attack with a smart pass, as for Rooney’s goal.

Park Ji Sung

6 On the left but often cut inside to provide thrust near the edge of the box. Tenacious and dynamic, as usual, but might have stuck closer to Ramires on a couple of occasions.

Wayne Rooney

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8 Terrific. Missed a trick by failing to do a self-deprecating “shush” celebration to a camera after scoring, but nights such as this are why, despite his foibles, Ferguson swears by him.

Javier Hernández

5 A surprising choice to start and scavenged to modest effect, too often receiving the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the box. Missed an apparent sitter in the second period.

Substitutes Nani (for Rafael, 51min): Almost burst through to score with three minutes left 6 Dimitar Berbatov (for Hernández, 78) Chris Smalling (for Park, 90) Not used Tomasz Kuszczak, Paul Scholes, Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson Booked Vidic, Van der Sar

Referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

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