Player Ratings: United 1-0 Arsenal

David de Gea – Didn’t have an awful lot to do in terms of shot stopping, but he commanded his area excellently and distributed the ball quickly. 7/10

Chris Smalling – Perhaps one of the most underrated performers on the day. Smalling didn’t let anyone past him and he even threw in a few tricks going forward. 7/10

Nemanja Vidic – What a warrior. He had a sublime first half and didn’t give Giroud any chance whatsoever. Massive shame he had to go off injured. 7/10

Jonny Evans – Another rock at the back. Put his head on everything and made some crucial tackles to halt Arsenal. 7/10

Patrice Evra – Definitely one of Patrice’s better games. He kept Cazorla quiet, and stopped Sagna getting forward too often. 8/10

Michael Carrick – Great to have him back as he steadies our midfield. Did the dirty work today and put his body in front of everything. 7/10

Phil Jones – What a performance. He bossed Ramsey and Arteta in the first half when he played in midfield, and had Ozil in his back pocket when he moved back to the heart of the defence. Man of the Match by a country mile. 9/10

Antonio Valencia – Bombed up and down the right-hand side all game, but unfortunately his delivery let him down today. Tracked back and made some key interceptions. 6/10

Shinji Kagawa – Did ok. kept the ball moving and played some nice passes. Also linked up well with Patrice Evra and got a few tackles in. 7/10

Wayne Rooney – Wayne Rooney was absolutely everywhere. He was at the heart of everything good for United and his corner for Van Persie’s header was inch perfect. 8/10

Robin van Persie – Inevitably got on the scoresheet against his former side. He tormented them right from the first whistle until he was substituted off. 7/10

Subs:

Tom Cleverley – Did very well under the circumstances. Found a red shirt more often than not and looked comfortable in possession. 7/10

Ryan Giggs – Kept possession well and kept United moving forward. He did well in his 50th career appearance vs Arsenal. 7/10

Marouane Fellaini – Won a few important headers. Not enough time to mark.