Player Ratings: Man Yoo (a) Carling Cup

Last updated : 27 January 2005 By Liam Corbett
Petr Cech - Showed why he was preferred to Carlo in goal. Dealt with lots of crosses without fault and made a great low save to deny Ronaldo in the last minute. Will be unhappy he got lobbed! 7

Paulo Ferreira - Dealt with the wide threat all night. Can't believe I ever doubted him! 7

John Terry - Immense in the air again, and his overall game was superb. Should've maybe dealt with a cross better, rather than chesting it down to Bridge who almost gave away a spot kick due to the uncomfortable position Terry put him in. Also lost Giggs for the goal but you had to admire the finish. 8

William Gallas - Fantastic block to stop a goal bound Rooney strike. Seems to have stepped up his game in the absence of Carvalho. 8

Wayne Bridge - Great double block on the line when we were holding on. Blocked the original headed effort from Tweedy and then was alert enough to charge down Heinze's follow up. Nearly gave away an un-necessary penalty. 7

Claude Makelele - Won the ball back countless times and played simple. Up there with the likes of Terry and Lampard for player of the season. Lucky not to go when a rash swing nearly connected with Ronaldo. But with a face like Ronaldo's the referee understood Maka's disgust and only booked him. 8

Frank Lampard - Man of the match. Showed a fantastic range of passing, worked the keeper with long range left and right footed efforts and stole enough time in the United area to control and finish without being challenged. England's best midfielder along with Gerrard. 9

Tiago - Got stuck in and Paulo Ferreira will appreicate his efforts more than anyone. He covered the right wing superbly, giving assistance to Ferreira whenever Giggs or Ronaldo doubled up with Fortune or Heinze. 7

Damien Duff - He didn't mean it but at least he can say he scored from 50+ yards at Old Trafford! Pedro Mendes couldn't manage that! Duff's goal was deemed to have just crossed the line, the referee consulting his linesman and Alex Ferguson before awarding the effort. His overall play was good, running at United defenders and counter attacking when needed. 8

Arjen Robben - Could've added a second after a brilliant solo run by Drogba, seconds before United equalised. Didn't really get going against the club he nearly joined last summer, but ran at and worried the defenders. 6

Didier Drogba - Nice work and assist for the Lampard goal and was a thorn in the side of the defence all night. Ran at them, took them on and was a big physical presence over Ferdinand. Withdrawn late on for Gudjohnsen. 8