Havent read the whole thread but think Aurelio is being overlooked from what I have read. He was top class today and if he can stay fit (which is a big if) he'd be up there with Clichy and Evra for what he offers ferom that position.
And what is it with Liverpool-supporting Mancs giving usa helping hand. First O'Shea, now Wes Orange. Anymore of their players childhood reds?
For what its worth, my ratings
Reina 8.5/10 - not much to do. Couldnt do anything about the goal. Great save from Giggs at a vital stage, and sweeped up well. Great distribution too - particularly with a kick out to Babel late on from which the Dutchman proceded to completely skin Vidic on the touchline.
Arbeloa 7.5/10 - he's really come to the fore after a pretty dodgy start to the season. Great at Villa and played really well here again today.
Carragher 8.5/10 - Immense captains performance, kept Berbatov quiet. Passionate as ever.
Skrtel 8/10 - Great at the back again and helped out Carra well. His distribution was pretty good too and had a bit of a Pele moment, surging forward playing a one-two on the edge of the box and hitting a decent drive on target from 25 yards!
Aurelio 9.5/10 - My man of the match. I know United didnt play with much width but Aurelio looked comfortable in defence and got forward to great effect. Saw really good signs of an understanding developing with Riera.
Mascherano 9/10 - What more can you say about this fella. Always gives 110% effort. Bit and nagged in midfield all day. Great persistance for the winner. Hope it was just cramp late on.
Alonso 8.5/10 - Now thats more like it from Xabi. Keep it up. One ball from left to right to Kuyt near the end had me literally drooling.
Benayoun 7/10 - Good shift on the wings. Faded out of the games at times but very skilful in possession at times and just a good touch away from getting a goal after brilliantly sneaking in behind in 2nd half.
Riera 7.5/10 - Make that 8 taking into consideration it was his debut. Really good for a first appearance. Couple of great backheels sparking attacks and showed great understanding with the overlapping Aurelio.
Kuyt 7.5/10 - Worked his socks off for the team (as usual) - geat vision for the winning goal, but probably shouldve scored one himself late on too. Really good half-volleyed effortr just wide in 1st half too.
Keane 8/10 - Great link up play. Was brilliant outside the box but still lacking a bit of sharpness in front of goal as displayed with his air shot from Mascheranos cross.
SUBS
Gerrard - His appearance had a galvanising effect on the team. Great first touch pass to Babel who mis-controlled couldve led to a real chance.
Babel - STOP - Babel time. Hero. Got his body over Kuyts bobbling cut back well to send Anfield wild. Some great bits of skill too and looked a threat everytime he got the ball. Keep it up. Also great piece of wing play to set up late chance for Kuyt.
Ngog - Anonymous 
Hyypia - Brought on late to counter United long-ball tactics.
Ridiculous marks. Keane? 8? Yossi? 7.5??
Thought we fought fantastically well and would have won by more had our forwards possessed more killer instinct (i.e. had Torres been fit).
Riera was great on the left, the back were solid as ever....Arby recovered from a shaky start to the season to keeping all under control. Carra and Skrtel may as well have been taking Tevez & Berbatov around Seffy park in prams. Fabio kept Fat Head well out of it too.
Xabi & the Monster won it for us. First to everything, fantastic ball retention and great defensive positioning. Xabi MoM as Masch very sloppy on their opener.
Yossi's fucking crap. Never, EVER keeps the ball - be it finishing a dribble, passing the ball successfully, decent shot/cross. Such a contrast to Riera on the other wing, who hardly ever gave the ball away, even when in some dodgy situations.
Pepe - apart from tipping over from Giggs, had nothing to do.
Keane - dropped off well, but still looks a bit unsure about what exactly it is he's supposed to be doing. I'm not sure either...he's kind of quick but not fast, can dribble a bit but doesn't take anyone on, shits himself when he has to shoot. Maybe it's a confidence thing, but for now I'd relegate him to the bench.
Babel is boss. New David Fairclough.
