Player evaluation - MU

ManUtd.com assesses how each Manchester United player performed against Athletic Club




First Eleven
 
David De Gea
An unhappy return to Spain, although he'll be pleased enough with his individual performance. No chance with either goal and made a handful of top second-half saves.

Rafael
The young Brazilian was given a torrid time by Iker Muniain, who looks one of Europe's top young prospects. A tough outing.

Jonny Evans
 Often left exposed after United's full-backs had gone forward, Evans had to do a lot of "mopping up". A thankless task on an evening to forget for the Reds.

Rio Ferdinand
Gave up a yard of space for Athletic's opener but was otherwise solid enough at the heart of defence. Replaced midway through the second half after picking up a slight calf knock.

Patrice Evra
Pegged back by the lively Markel Suaseta for much of the game, Evra struggled to make his mark. A difficult day at the office for the Frenchman.

Ji-sung Park
Not even the South Korean, usually so effective at breaking up attacks, could stem the Athletic tide. Saw little of the ball in possession.

Michael Carrick
Competed well in the first half in midfield and intercepted several Athletic attacks. Tried to launch attacks from a deep position but his influence faded after the break.

Tom Cleverley
A disappointing first European campaign for the youngster, who was never given time on the ball to express himself or dictate the pace of the game.

Ryan Giggs
Produced a few lively moments from wide positions but, like United's other midfielders, was all too often harried out of possession. Received a standing ovation from the home fans when substituted.

Ashley Young
 Looked confident from the first whistle and was unlucky to be denied early on by a fantastic covering tackle. His influence waned as the match wore on, however.

Wayne Rooney
Netted a cracking goal with 10 minutes to play to give the Reds a glimmer of hope but, in the main, endured a frustrating evening as a lone striker.


Substitutes

Paul Pogba (on for Carrick, 63) 
 Not the 19th birthday the Frenchman would have wished for. Sent on when Athletic had well and truly hit their stride, he struggled to impose himself. Booked for a rash tackle.

Chris Smalling (on for Ferdinand, 63)
Sporting a Petr Cech-style skull cap, the defender could only half clear Suaseta's cross before De Marcos fired home Athletic's second goal.

Danny Welbeck (on for Giggs, 68)
A quiet cameo, although he did test Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz from distance with a dipping shot that bounced just in front of the stopper.



source: http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Mar/player-ratings-from-athletic-club-vs-manchester-united.aspx?pageNo=1