FWIW...
Reina - 8: very quiet, but a good dash to clear a bad backpass from Carragher, fantastic save from Giggs.
Arbeloa - 8: one of his better games; just has an annoying habit of taking so long to decide who to cross to that he gets closed down - would be better just whipping it into the right area sometimes.
Skrtel - 9: handled Berbatov very well in the second half, brought the ball out of defence nicely on occasions and at the moment looks 1st choice of 4 very good CBs.
Carragher - 8: Generally solid, better on the ball in the second half, but a few hoofs in the first.
Aurelio - 8: Looked poor for 15 minutes, including contributing to United's goal (passed the ball out of play under no pressure, then let Berbatov get in behind him). Improved throughout though and very good overlapping at times.
Benayoun - 7: First half hour lightweight and sloppy in possession; improved through the game, but always the obvious substitution when we needed to make one.
Alonso - 8: Anonymous first half when he should have been showing greater leadership in a midfield that United were not dominating. Excellent in the second half. The split personality that leads to the Alonso threads and presumably Rafa's recent doubts.
Mascherano - 9: usual tireless and tenacious performance, but also showed that he can knock the ball around and 'anchor' a midfield.
Riera - 8: After realising he can't get a freekick just falling over, showed glimpses of real class. Cheeky backheels, good vision and intelligence, cut inside to good effect. Promising debut.
Kuyt - 8: Contrary to cliche, some excellent touches and link up play at times (including twice in a first half build up that ended with Keane's nerves) as well as the usual workrate. A little unlucky with both admittedly clearcut chances.
Keane - 7: Not as bad as some have suggested, but clearly desperate for a goal and lacking confidence. On occasions the indecision was visible, taking momentum out of build ups, but also showed his ability and effort at times.
Babel - 8: Needs to start some games, preferably now from the right, with Riera on the left stretching defences and both offering a cut-in/far post threat. Some great touches, got the slightly fortunate winner.
Gerrard - 8: Didn't produce too much of note, but picked up the tempo just as our second half dominance was waning.
Rafa - 10: Showed ambition and belief; more importantly, transmitted it to the players.
