Carling Cup player ratings: Manchester United v Manchester City
Given – Made a great save at the death, but then stayed on his line for the goal. Also gambled wrongly on Carrick aiming at the near post for United’s second. 6
Richards – Defended solidly throughout, and played far better than on our last trip to Old Trafford. Surprised us all with a great strike using his left foot. 8
Boyata – Held his nerve and couldn’t be faulted in another huge game for the youngster. 7
Kompany – Combined some excellent defending with a cool confidence to try and bring the ball out when under pressure. Also showed good leadership skills in marshalling the defence. 8
Garrido – Did ok against Nani and looked to get forward when he could. 6
Wright-Phillips – Once again he looked more threatening when moved infield. Yet to find his best form since returning from injury. 6
De Jong – A solid, disciplined performance, even if he wasn’t able to dominate the midfield. 7
Barry – Looks a little one-paced when the tempo is increased. Managed to use his experience to buy us time and the odd free-kick Hamann style. 6
Zabaleta – Firmly established as the side’s utility man. Relished the battle in midfield without getting booked or giving away dangerous free-kicks for once. Filled in at left-back and was a noticeable improvement defensively. 7
Tevez – Fabulous work-rate matched by a terrific use of the ball, which he hardly ever gave away. The flick for the goal was sublime. 8
Bellamy – How we could have done with a repeat of one of the goals from our last trip to Old Trafford. Sadly it wasn’t quite there for Craig in an attacking sense, though he continued to dominate Rafael. 7
Subs:
Ireland – Didn’t look fully up to the pace, but still managed some nice passes to get us moving forward. 6
Adebayor – If you ask a player if they’re ready to play in a big game, they’ll nearly always say yes. Whether Adebayor actually was is doubtful. Struggled to make an impact and completely misjudged a free header. 5
Man of the match: A tough one to call with Kompany once again excellent and Tevez hauling us back into the game but, for the huge improvement on his early season form, it goes to Micah Richards.