Arsenal

Manuel Almunia Ronaldo's free-kick went like a rocket but the goalkeeper was slow to get across and get his hands up. He did make smart subsequent saves 6

Bacary Sagna Occupied by Rooney, he tried to get forward when he could but his wings were clipped. Part of Arsenal's uncertain defensive effort 5

Kolo Touré Showed his character by refusing to wilt, he made vital challenges but he must accept part of the blame for how United pulled Arsenal apart 6

Johan Djourou Preferred to Silvestre, he was shaky when United poured forward. Had a difficult time containing Ronaldo. Marked loosely on occasion 5

Kieran Gibbs His slip will haunt him. United might not have scored their opener but for it. His tender years felt the game's cruelty. Withdrawn at half-time 5

Alex Song Snapped into the tackle but as Arsenal trailed, they had need for creative quality over defensive midfield strength. Could not make an impression 5

Cesc Fábregas Restored to his normal deeper role, he put in the hard yards and tried to drive his team forward but he could do little on the ball 5

Theo Walcott Could not escape the shackles of Evra and was crowded out on the rare occasions that he got the ball. Not his night and again substituted 4

Samir Nasri Despite his diminutive frame, he carried the physical fight but he could not unlock United. Booked for a hack at Fletcher 5

Robin van Persie Back after injury but there remained a question mark over his fitness. Wasted when he holds the left flank. Took his penalty well 5

Emmanuel Adebayor Keen to display his application after criticism in the first leg but once again, he was suffocated and isolated. Allowed his frustrations to show 4

Manchester United

Edwin van der Sar Had few saves to make, as was the case at Old Trafford in the first leg. Commanded his area confidently enough when the need arose 7

John O'Shea Moved across to left-back after Evra's substitution, the Irishman was as untroubled as he had been earlier on his favoured right side 7

Rio Ferdinand His return from injury has coincided with United hurdling their blip and the two are not unrelated. Added the sheen of authority 7

Nemanja Vidic The epitome of United's combative edge. Put his body on the line repeatedly and won a series of brave aerial challenges 7

Patrice Evra Showed why he is one of the best full-backs in the country. Did not give Walcott any room to breathe and saw a lot of possession 8

Darren Fletcher Took the ball first in his tackle on Fábregas that brought Arsenal's penalty, his red card and the most devastating of suspensions 7

Michael Carrick A picture of composure in the maelstrom. He rarely wasted the ball and bought himself extra time and space with his intelligence 7

Park Ji-sung A surprise selection, his song was soon reverberating around the away enclosure. His finish for the opener was scruffy but it did not matter 7

Anderson Given an advanced role in central midfield, he was busy and set the move in motion for the first goal. Also kept a close watch on Fábregas 7

Wayne Rooney Had the beating of his markers, he was a danger but it was his discipline and selflessness that stood out. Fine vision for Ronaldo's second 8

Cristiano Ronaldo He puffed out his chest and dominated from the outset. Trademark audacity with his free-kick, and a nerveless finish for his second 9