Ikam had written about energy levels in the preview. United showed amazing energy levels in this game, especially the two fullbacks and the midfielders. Fergie employed a 4-2-3-1 making only 3 changes from the team that started against Spurs; Carrick and Scholes doing the holding role, Fletcher in a more advanced role beside Nani and Obertan forming a narrow 3 behind Berba. Nani and Obertan were cutting in to allow Rafael and Evra to overlap. Fletcher and later Park were given license to roam and they often found themselves in acres of space. Bursaspor, despite playing a high-pressure game, couldn’t dispossess or force the United central midfield duo into making mistakes which was were the game was won.
Vandy (7) – Perfect game but for one poor clearance which landed on the foot of a Bursaspor player just outside the box. Made a good stop on a one-on-one. The great man has no ego whatsoever; ran till the left end of the box to run the ball out of play rather than letting Fabio handle it.
Rafael (9) – Great performance. Wonderful positioning and tackling. We already know what he can do on the attack; pleased to see him do well at the back too, which is more important. Has put in two good performances on the trot. Would have picked him as the Man of the Match had Scholes not been at his imperious best.
Smalling (7) – Calm while defending, confident on the ball, he is of the Ferdinand mould. Might be preferred over Evans when Rio/Vida gets injured/rested.
Vida (8) – Dealt with ease everything that came his way.
Evra (7) – Played a sloppy pass which led to a one-on-one which Vandy saved. Made numerous overlapping runs and put in quality crosses. He was more excited than his compatriot Obertan when the latter scored.
Carrick (8) – Classy. Was happy to play second fiddle to the majestic Scholes. Played a lovely ball to Fletch who broke the deadlock early in the second half.
Scholes (9) – If we can keep this man fit, we can go all the way in the competition. None better when he is on song, like he was last night. Man of the Match.
Nani (7) – Hope his injury does not keep him out of the team and break his momentum. He displayed maturity by coming off early in the game. He could have overdone his injury if he had not curbed his enthusiasm, and United, at this stage, cannot afford an injury to Nani.
Fletch (7) – Good finish from a difficult angle to put United 1 nil up.
Obertan (7) – Good pace and aerial ability. Touches are a little too heavy. Stunning shot from outside the box to cap a good game. And, delivered a couple of good corners!
Berba (6) – Inconsistent performance. There were some moments of Berba magic midway through the first half, but, overall a disappointing performance.
Park (7) – 3 good performances in 7 days. Three-Lung Park is back!
Bebe (7) – A goal on his first Champions League appearance and his second in the space of 1 week. The whole squad looked happy for him when he scored. Ran all the way to the bench to hug Chicho. Glad that the two have gelled well so soon. Hope they do that on the pitch as well.
Fabio (6) – Fergie should give him more time on the field. Rafael and Fabio bombing forward on both wings gives me wet dreams.
