There are a couple of influencing factors that admittedly cause fault to the fundamental structure and consistency of these ratings; one, because we can’t be sure that the same journalist did the score for every game, secondly, because it’s the Sun, come on.

To be fair and time effective; if you want to view the complete list of individual players, you can visit our forum thread, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll concentrate on those players who featured in 6 or more of the ten games United eventually played.

Edwin van der Sar : 6 appearances, 6.67

Gary Neville : 6 appearances, 5.83

Rio Ferdinand : 6 appearances, 6.33

Nemanja Vidic :6 appearances, 6.33

Patrice Evra : 8 appearances, 6.25

Antonio Valencia : 9 appearances, 6.56 (2 MOM awards)

Darren Fletcher : 7 appearances, 6.28

Michael Carrick : 7 appearances, 5.85 (1 MOM award)

Paul Scholes : 7 appearances, 6.42 (1 MOM award)

Nani : 7 appearances, 6.42 (1 MOM award)

Ji-Sung Park : 6 appearances, 5.67

Wayne Rooney : 7 appearances, 7.14 (2 MOM awards)

When you consider 6 being an average; and United’s top outfield performers being Rooney and Valencia, you can’t really argue. Our European campaign was average, two standout results against Milan and a good win in Germany against Wolfsburg aside. Notable by their absence are John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Rafael, all three of whom would expect to start in front of Gary Neville, and all of whom made only fleeting appearances; though Rafael’s contribution in the knock out stage was very impressive, one red card aside, as he dealt admirably with the considerable thrust of Ronaldinho and Ribery.

Ryan Giggs made just 3 appearances in this seasons competition, a crucial intervention with a goal and an assist in the game against Wolfsburg at Old Trafford and two substitute appearances against Bayern. Dimitar Berbatov’s involvement just missed our ratings cut with 5 games, and he too only started one game – even Danny Welbeck started more!

Perhaps Neville’s average rating seems a little harsh, but one only realises the true opinion or inclination of a media outlet in comparison. You can check the accuracy for yourself, but the results are quite astounding. I chose Arsenal as the team to compare against; in the knowledge that they are looked upon rather favourably by the media in general.

Arsenal coasted through a group that included Standard Liege, AZ Alkmaar, and Olympiakos. All European competition in my mind is tough; so I’m not discounting the difficulty of their group, particuarly their trip to Greece, which incidentally they lost. I won’t put all the figures here but I have saved them if challenged in the comments. It goes without saying that Cesc Fabregas was considered the equal of Rooney. The young Spaniard has really impressed against the lesser lights this season but has failed miserably against top quality opposition – his final and most significant contribution was cheating to win a penalty and get an opponent sent off (sound familiar?) so perhaps our Wayne would understandably a little aggrieved that his 4 goal demolition of Milan over two legs, his goal in Germany and inspirational appearance on one leg that saw him set up one goal and play a crucial part in another didn’t elevate him above the highly rated Arsenal captain.

Fabregas’ status in the media means that such a comparison is to be expected; but it’s when you scratch the surface that it gets really ridiculous. Alex Song and Andrei Arshavin are a mere second decimal place away from being judged as better than Rooney this year. Think about it. In Fabregas, Song and Arshavin, Arsenal had three players that the Sun thought did just as well as Rooney in Europe this season. Song has come on leaps and bounds but Arshavin can firmly be placed alongside Berbatov when discussing expensive Eastern European misfits.

William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen were both rated considerably better than Rio and Vidic, Gael “catastrophe” Clichy was rated better than Evra – and, for all three, it would have been a landslide if not for the Barcelona tie.

Antonio Valencia’s first season at United can definitely be described as a success. His European performances in particular have caught the eye – in the group stages he played a vital role, and he came on to change the game against Milan. Against Bayern at home, the Germans found it difficult to handle the Ecuadorian. He will have to go some next year to impress the media, though. Not only did they consider Fabregas, Song, and Arshavin to be better in Europe but also the defensive pair of Gallas and Vermaelen.

I blogged after Darren Fletcher’s stunning performance in the San Siro earned him a lofty 6 out of 10, describing that I was a little confused asto what Aaron Ramsey did that was so much more spectacular that he could get a rating of 9 in a defeat to a Greek team. Ramsey’s handful of substitute appearances to add to his amazing game in Greece gave him an average that comfortably beat Fletchers.

All of these are even including the Barcelona tie, so it gives you some indication of how it would look if you took that out. Even if you do take that out; the Sun consider that every game played by Denilson, Song, Arshavin, Fabregas, Vermaelen, Gallas and Clichy this season was to the equivalent or better standard than Fletcher’s display in the San Siro. No United player put in a shift that even compared to Ramsey’s game in Greece. In the interests of time, I just picked Arsenals most prominent players – I dread to think how Nasri, Walcott and Bendtner outperformed their United peers.

This “exercise” was carried out to really demonstrate the difference in the way the media is suspiciously favourable to the team in red from North London and less favourable to United. You would be hard pushed to find even an Arsenal fan, though, who would tell you with a straight face he thought Clichy had performed better than Evra in any competition this season.

United were deserted by luck in this years competition; take out the last minute in Munich and our fortunes in two competitions would probably look far rosier, if van Bommel had been punished for the foul that saw Rafael gain his first booking in the second leg, and if Arjen Robben didn’t score the goal of his life.. but, the very fact that we’re lamenting luck when a cold hard look at it suggests we should have made the final this year shows that United have shortcomings that do need to be addressed. That much is clear to the most ardent red.

The media meanwhile have shown that it’s ok to be utterly humiliated on the biggest stage; because depending on your postcode, they will still make you out to be better than you are. There’s a theory about the British media mentality that they “build you up to knock you down”. I think we can add to that, “and if that fails, we’ll just pretend”.

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Manchester United’s 4 goal defeat of Stoke City on the final day was not enough as Chelsea, as expected, destroyed Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge to take the Premier League title. Their mammoth 8-0 win over the Latics certainly impressed but United fans could at least look back at the half time state of affairs and lament the overly generous officiating that the West London side have been the beneficiaries of this term.

Sir Alex Ferguson went for a 4-4-2 in attempt to spell out the attacking message to the visitors even though there was an impending feeling of doom among the home faithful. But by the time Old Trafford had managed to shake off any collective pre-match anxiety their hopes suffered a blow when news of a Chelsea goal – scored by Nicolas Anelka with Malouda in an offside position – filtered through.

Dimitar Berbatov had retained a starting place despite his hatful of missed efforts last week and in the first quarter of the game was guilty of missing another hat-trick’s worth of chances. First, he was played through by Rooney and saw his effort blocked by Wilkinson – then, headed a couple of Nani crosses over, the second clipping the top of the crossbar. On the half hour United did get their breakthrough when Ryan Giggs’ corner was met by Vidic and the Serb’s header pinballed off too Stoke defenders, and landed at the feet of Darren Fletcher less than a yard out. Fletcher duly converted.

The Potters’ resistance was far greater than their recent capitulation at Stamford Bridge, but United were still playing well – the next 7 minutes summed up the season, when Chelsea were the beneficiaries of some more refereeing help, Frank Lampard converting a penalty that saw Wigan reduced to ten men.

Gary Neville had a cheeky effort comfortably saved before Ryan Giggs’ doubled the relinquishing champions lead. Dimitar Berbatov did well with a strong forward surge after receiving Rooney’s pass, and drilled a cross across goal. Giggs was there arriving from the right to side foot home from 12 yards and seal the result with 8 minutes of the first half still to play. Rooney could have put his name on the scoresheet after another good piece of play by Berbatov but Huth snuffed it out.

With the end result a formality and all eyes on Stamford Bridge, it was no surprise that with the ascendancy handed to them by the officials, Chelsea ran riot and scored 6 more over a despondent Wigan side that had already conceded 9 in one game in their travels. Rather more surprising was the bizarre nature of the Stoke supporters at Old Trafford. They have attained quite a good reputation for their vocal support at the Brittania but seemed intent on ruining all of that deserved goodwill. Their limp display at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago was quite rightly put down to “holiday fever” but it became clear throughout the second half that there was a deep rooted hatred of United, as the travelling fans cheered every goal scored in London – despite no particular notable affinity with Chelsea – sung strange songs such as “you’re gonna win f*ck all”, despite evidence to the contrary, and worst of all, started with the Munich songs.

United’s second half performance defied the fact that they knew they would be replaced as Champions as they relentlessly attacked the visitors – Nani had a chance from a Rooney pass and Scholes chipped wide, though it was already 3-0 by then – Fletcher’s clever reverse found Rooney and the forward’s trick was brilliant and unselfish, making space to fire across goal and ex-Red Devil Danny Higginbotham was only able to divert it into his own goal via the crossbar.

Edwin van der Sar was called upon to make two spectacular saves; first from Rory Delap and second from Danny Pugh – that little spell served no purpose than to prove Stokes proper commitment to the game where it had been sorely lacking 2 weeks ago. Ji-Sung Park, on for Rooney after he had pulled up with a groin injury, made it 4 and a confirmed bittersweet last day hammering when he headed in Ryan Giggs’ corner.

The classy visiting voices wrapped up their own performance after the game when continuing their sick chants through Sir Alex’s public address to the Old Trafford crowd. If nothing else in defeat they were able to at least cement United fans’ hope that they will be relegated and take their pathetic idea of what it means to support their own team with them.

The recriminations will now begin regarding United’s own shortcomings in the title race. Lacking guile in midfield? Perhaps. Lacking a convincing alternative for Rooney either in shape or personnel? Probably. Found short after a spell where 8 first team defenders were injured in the winter? Most definitely.

Regardless of the circumstances, pushing for a record breaking fourth consecutive title was always going to be a tough ask because it has never been done before. Chelsea, remember, have only just got their fourth ever. That task was made impossible because of the defining intervention of a Liverpool supporting referee, a Liverpool player who didn’t want Manchester United to win, and another poor refereeing decision with the score at 0-0 at Stamford Bridge in the final game. The worst thing is, this didn’t need to happen. Chelsea may well have won at Old Trafford, may well have won at Anfield, and would no doubt have won today.

There will be no speculation, no investigation into the abhorrent – and in the case of the first two, corrupt – set of circumstances that lead to Chelsea wrestling the title away from Manchester United. But, it should at least appease the United fans in knowing that the league table on this occasion has lied. It didn’t need to, though.

Ratings : van der Sar 8, Neville 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Nani 8, Fletcher 7, Scholes 8 (Gibson 7), *Giggs 9, Rooney 7 (Park 7), Berbatov 7 (Macheda 7)

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Nani’s expertly hit drive just before the half hour kept alive Manchester United’s slim hopes of retaining the Premier League. Sunderland at the Stadium of Light were formidable opponents with one of the best home records in the league, but United were able to overcome a physical battle on the pitch and the psychological blow of the most unprofessional of surrenders up the M62 to push the most unpredictable top of the table merry go round in modern memory right the way to the last game.

Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a 4-4-2 with Antonio Valencia absent – Wayne Rooney was deemed fit but Rio Ferdinand had to settle for a place on the bench as the team who had won three titles in a row had to rouse themselves after Liverpool predictably raised the white flag to Chelsea earlier in the day.

That scoreline led to a pretty subdued opening to the game, both in atmosphere and performance. Gradually, though, both improved – the travelling faithful, though severely restricted in number, definitely made their presence felt in volume after the Red Devils had a couple of opportunities in the 4th minute. Dimitar Berbatov was selected alongside Rooney and the Bulgarian played in his strike partner. Rooney’s shot was parried by Craig Gordon and Ryan Giggs’ attempt on the rebound was quickly blocked by ex-United defender Phil Bardsley.

Sunderland’s response and approach was spirited but lacking in conviction – a free kick after quarter of an hour was headed over by Cana, before midway through the first half Patrice Evra surged from defence to feed Giggs. Giggs’ movement inside was good and his shot beat Gordon all ends up but not the frame of the goal, as the angle denied him. Steed Malbranque then responded with a 20 yarder of his own and this was on target for the home team, but Edwin van der Sar made a marvellous save at full stretch. Four minutes later, Ferguson’s men got the breakthrough, and unlike their title rivals, it took a moment of real magic to achieve it rather than have it handed to them. Rooney and Giggs have had wonderful seasons, Rooney for his goal tally and Giggs for his truckload of assists, and both were involved in most that was good about United’s impressive movement at times. They combined with Berbatov and Fletcher, with the Scot laying the ball off short. Nani was on hand to lash the ball home, a goal that was impressive on first viewing but even more so on the replay.

The first half from then on was comfortable – it wasn’t until injury time that either goal was really threatened again. First Giggs and Rooney combined well to play in Evra, whose shot was saved comfortably by Gordon, and then Nani did well to find Rooney before being flattened by substitute Lee Cattermole. Steve Bennett played advantage, Rooney rolled the ball to Berbatov but his finish was symbolic of his recent form, wide and not so handsome.

United proceeded to miss a whole host of chances in the second half – with Berbatov the main culprit, but not the first. Fletcher’s clever backheel created some space for Nani, who ran through but seemed in two minds whether to shoot or cross and paid for that indecision as Gordon dealt with it.

Berbatov then strode into an unwanted spotlight – Rooney and Giggs again combining to create two gilt edged chances for United’s record signing within the space of 5 minutes. First Giggs did well and played in Rooney – Berbatov connected with the ball with the goal at his mercy and somehow put it over when it seemed easier to keep it down. Then, Rooney showed impressive strength in his hold up play in the area to create space for Giggs, and the Welsh veteran’s cross was headed onto the back of a defender and over by Berbatov – this chance slightly less wasteful but still, he should have done better.

There could be no questioning Sunderland’s aggressive commitment to the cause with Malbranque and Cattermole at their tenacious best – Ferguson, with perhaps the result and taking Berbatov out of his misery in mind, brought off the forward for Michael Carrick. It was a decision that almost paid instant dividends – the new shape freed Fletcher, he made a move central and tried an effort from 25 yards. That was blocked, but screwed to Rooney who half volleyed with stinging power narrowly wide.

It was Michael Carrick who had the best chance of extending the lead after this point. There were 13 minutes left when Rooney was played through, but saw his chance snuffed out by the onrushing Gordon. The Scottish keeper couldn’t do enough to smother the ball and it squirmed wide to Nani – with the stopper out of his goal, Nani cleverly played it across to Carrick but the ex-Spurs midfielder’s shot was not particularly strong and was cleared off the line.

Sunderland’s closest effort of an equaliser came in the 82nd minute. Steed Malbranque had just performed a studs up challenge on Jonny Evans, but was only booked, and his cross for former Red Frazier Campbell was met by an acrobatic effort that went wide.

Fergie’s thoughts were turning to consolidation and Rio Ferdinand came on in defensive midfield, with the manager probably mindful of the particularly hard tackling of the Black Cats. Owen Hargreaves did make a long awaited return to first team action with seconds remaining, his only touch being United’s last of the game.

United’s result may after all is said and done seem pretty insignificant after Chelsea had cantered to victory, literally gift wrapped, at Anfield. The nature of that result – which included the only time Steven Gerrard will assist a goal that (probably) decides the title – illustrated the shambles of Liverpool Football Club which once stood for something. Had their opponents been Manchester United today you could guarantee a transformed performance and even a different team selection, but Rafael Benitez confirmed fears he would approach the game with all the lack of integrity and professionalism he has shown throughout his spell in England.

The damage to United will be a temporary though admittedly significant setback but the repercussions for Liverpool are likely to be far more severe – it was always on the cards that a huge upheaval in the managerial area would be taking place over the summer but their tummy-tickling surrender of any hope of 4th place could spark a dark period of turmoil for our once proud rivals – this year marks their 20th season without the league trophy and their refusal to take the league with any respect has guaranteed they won’t be playing Champions League football. Few would bet, in those conditions, that Anfield will be housing a league championship winning team in the next decade at least. It would be just reward for their blatant lack of professionalism and also one in the eye for Liverpool supporting Mike Dean whose own contribution to the title race has been inherently corrupt.

For now, though, Manchester United are still in the hunt to be Premier League Champions for the fourth time in succession. They may still be depending on other teams to do them a favour but it’s a sorry state of affairs when football fans across the country can honestly say Wigan Athletic will put up a more convincing effort than Liverpool.

Beyond that, and taking a closer examination of the players in this match, Berbatov cut a forlorn figure as confidence had completely deserted him. A confident or at least clinical striker would have bagged a hat-trick with the chances presented to him. The forward has often been referred to kindly as languid and harshly as a poor excuse for Cantona, but in recent weeks it has been that fundamental lack of ruthlessness that, for example, a van Nistelrooy would bring. The short term solution would suggest the smart money all being chucked on a Karim Benzema shaped replacement while Federico Macheda learns his trade. Unfortunately for Berbatov, Macheda’s inexperience does not dissuade the vast majority of fans wanting to see the young Italian in the here and now. The sympathy is clear because Berbatov so clearly wants to succeed and United fans are by and large as patient as it gets – just as Diego Forlan. The problem for Bulgaria’s record goalgetter is that he has been afforded the patience yet does himself no favours by going missing when the chips are down – that’s the kind of attitude that is welcomed on Merseyside but will find short shrift at Old Trafford.

Ratings : van der Sar 7, O’Shea 6, Evans 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Nani 7 (Hargreaves), Scholes 8, Fletcher 7 (Ferdinand), *Giggs 8, Berbatov 5 (Carrick 5), Rooney 8

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Experience was the key factor in last weeks Manchester derby; it was required here, with just a touch of youthful extravagance to decide the game in the Champions favour against a tough Tottenham Hotspur side. Ryan Giggs was coolness personified to convert two penalties while Nani produced a match winning moment of magic to return Manchester United to the top; however temporary that may be.

Harry Redknapp’s team had taken 6 points from Arsenal and Chelsea and he had said prior to the game that had someone told him he’d get 5 points from this trio of fixtures he’d have snatched their hand off – Tottenham therefore were able to play with more of a nothing to lose attitude than their hosts, who had everything to lose. The visitors were boosted by the absence of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand and rightly had realistic aspirations of their first win at Old Trafford for over twenty years. There was a case to say that in addition to Rooney and Ferdinand, the absences of Gary Neville, Ji-Sung Park, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves – though the latter did make the bench for the first time in almost 2 years – left United with half a team out.

Neither side started particularly well; it took a half hearted shot from Pavlyuchenko to inject some energy, and that seemed to be hit more as a point to the rest of the players that the game was petering out as early as the 25th minute. It did spark a flurry of action in the next 10 minutes as the Red Devils really stepped up their urgency. From the resulting break; Nani and Patrice Evra worked a move brilliantly that saw the French fullback get into the area and fizz a ball across goal towards Ryan Giggs. Gareth Bale was able to temporarily disrail the ball but the loose ball fell to Dimitar Berbatov – the Bulgarian, however, saw his shot brilliantly blocked by Ledley King.

United began to work the wings with the full backs and wingers featuring prominently – it was the right hand sides turn to open up, Bale caught out by Valencia’s movement chasing a Rafael pass, but the Ecuadorian equalled his Blackburn effort with a tame shot at the keeper. Gomes cleared, the ball came straight back and Dawson’s header was met by a 25 yard Berbatov effort. The former Spurs man showed enough confidence to go for it but had the time really to have made something better from his shot than firing it wide.

A Gareth Bale free kick went over before Nani and Evra worked well again and the Frenchman struck his shot over on the run. With 4 minutes left until half time, Rafael’s ball inside found Berbatov on the edge of the area – he made himself some space but, again having done so, hit his shot poorly.

There was certainly no question that the second half needed more impetus from the players; there seemed little to change the shape of the team from the bench, with Scholes and Giggs United’s dictators in the middle but Fletcher quietly going about his business to allow them their platform. The Champions were almost caught cold though straight after half time when Jermain Defoe struggled to control a ball into the box – Evra did just enough to put both Defoe and Pavlyuchenko off.

Evra was certainly the central figure early in the second half – before the second period had even gotten to five minutes, he was doubled up being physically and violently sick. He recovered to five minutes later receive a short corner from Giggs and create the best opening yet, a header for Berbatov. He headed wide, though, with Darren Fletcher agonisingly close on the stretch to deflecting it in. Wilson Palacios bustled through on a quick break to test Edwin van der Sar, but United had begun to get to grips with the game and occasion.

Another short Giggs corner went to Nani, who was rather wasteful after beating Modric, shooting wide at the near post. A minute later though, as United were breaking again, they finally got the breakthrough. Berbatov for once ran with purpose towards goal and perhaps actually having some direction to his game took the Spurs defenders on the surprise and back foot. He ran towards goal and seemed up a blind alley, but backheeled cleverly into the path of Evra who had crept into the area. Benoit Assou-Ekotto was in unfamiliar territory as a left footer at right back and was completely caught out, bringing down the United left back and giving referee Andre Marriner no option but to award the penalty.

Nani has taken penalties for United in the past; Berbatov was probably angling for it, while Scholes too has hit them before, but it was Ryan Giggs who assumed the responsibility for his first ever league penalty.He had missed the only ever other penalty he had taken in front of the Stretford End in the FA Cup against Southampton right at the start of his career but converted this kick with immaculate precision.

It was unclear whether it was the number of kicks Valencia was receiving or if he too was feeling under the weather, but he was replaced by Michael Carrick. Tottenham too changed their shape, moving Bale more advanced and bringing on Aaron Lennon after several months out. The tactical shift changed the game and suited Tottenham, who really grew in confidence with their positions more familiar. And ten minutes after conceding, their positive response got a reward, when Ledley King headed in Bale’s corner to equalise. King did use Carrick as something of a jumping aid so it would be unfair to blame the ex-Spurs midfielder, but Rafael did move slightly off of the post to punishing effect. He swung out a boot to try and stop the header but the damage was done.

It could have been much worse 5 minutes later when Modric set up ex-Chelsea player Eidur Gudjohnsen – the Iceland striker beat Evans but Nemanja Vidic brilliantly blocked the shot to keep United in the game.

Sir Alex Ferguson then called on his final substitute – having brought off Evra just before for O’Shea – when he introduced Federico Macheda. The Italian was instrumental at a similar stage last season and his contribution once on the pitch demonstrated just why he is so highly thought of. Just two minutes after coming on, he was pivotal to the defining moment of the game. Nani picked up the ball just inside the Spurs half and played it to Darren Fletcher. Fletcher’s pass inside to Macheda didn’t really give the youngster much room to do anything, but Nani was already making that decision for him, running forward into space. Macheda’s ball was perfectly weighted but the Portuguese winger had a lot of work to do.

Despite the constant accusations that he would never be Cristiano Ronaldo or that he was too inconsistent, Nani has shown incredible inner strength to become a vital player in this United set up. It was incredible to think that despite his brilliant contribution in the second part of the season he had not scored in the league since last August – but he showed composure and arrogance to defy the occasion when he first took a perfect touch to beat Ledley King and then the most perfectly executed, and arrogant, chip over Gomes and into the middle of the goal. Old Trafford erupted as Nani celebrated a moment that could yet become an iconic chapter in the illustrious history of the club.

He wasn’t about to rest on his laurels, though, and in the 85th minute, won a second penalty – a mazy run was illegally interrupted just inside the area from Tottenham’s second makeshift right back of the day, Wilson Palacios. Giggs stepped up again and changed sides – once again, Gomes guessed right, but once again, the kick was perfectly placed into the corner.

United were able to see the game out and go back to the top of the table – Chelsea’s game in hand against Stoke is tomorrow – even if there was still time for Nani to throw up as well. Sir Alex said after the game that Rooney could miss the rest of the season with a groin injury – 2 to 3 weeks, his estimate – but that the bug that affected Evra and Nani should clear up before the next game. Even if the Champions have to play out the remaining 180 minutes of this season without their top scorer, there is an inner belief that exists around the likes of Valencia and in particular Nani, as well as Macheda’s bullish atttitude that seems to scream that he is not only ready but that he feels he can take games at this level by the scruff of the neck. That kind of attitude may be needed at Sunderland; if not, United know that they have an experienced core in the brilliant Giggs and Scholes.

Ratings : van der Sar 7, Rafael 7 (Macheda), Evans 8, Vidic 8, Evra 8 (O’Shea 6), Valencia 7 (Carrick 6), Fletcher 7, Scholes 8, Giggs 9, *Nani 9, Berbatov 7

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With the stakes so high the first half was very much a tentative affair. Both sides knew that defeat or even dropped points for United would finally put an end to any lingering hopes they had of retaining their title – the visitors approach was to utilise all of their big game experience.

That approach was by far the more dictatorial of the two and United dominated those opening exchanges, but neither side really managed to open the other up. Fletcher and Scholes both had 20 yard efforts that went wide either side of a Tevez free kick that van der Sar did well to save.

Wayne Rooney did his level best to cause a nuisance and his mere presence sent Kompany into a panic, but the forward was unable to fully seize the opportunity. The returning striker was lucky to escape a booking after a petulant swing at De Jong but referee Martin Atkinson was favouring a more lenient approach to the robust challenges.

City’s best opening aside from the free kick was a Bellamy cross that was begging to converted on the half hour, but after that United saw the half out with a positional advance that pushed the hosts back into their own half. That pressure almost resulted in a goal but both Rooney and Giggs will probably think they should have done better. Valencia had a fine opening 45 and did extremely well to nod down a long ball to Rooney. Rooney wasn’t immediately challenged but took the chance on his left anyway and it went comfortably wide. 3 minutes later Valencia was chief tormentor again, this time playing in a good cross to Ryan Giggs who tried to flick it with the outside of his left foot but could only softly direct it to Given.

Indications were that United would really need to step it up in the second half – for all the pre-match hype (a BBC sports correspondent on Football Focus actually raising the ridiculous question “Are City now a bigger club?”) and for all their free scoring form, City barely even attempted to impose themselves on the game until the last twenty minutes, although on the counter they did fashion the first opening of the second half. With United committed upfield, Tevez collected the ball and ran at the defence, playing in Bellamy. The Welsh forward’s sense of time and space was totally off colour and he shot poorly wide.

United brought on Nani for Gibson and the winger nearly scored about ten minutes after his introduction when he stabbed wide a Ryan Giggs cross. City went up the other end and through Barry, had a penalty shout, though it would have been harsh, and the over-priced midfielders reaction was ridiculously exaggerated.

A minute later, Sir Alex made the change that seemingly indicated that he thought the game was up. Bringing on Berbatov for Rooney with just 15 minutes left of a game that United needed to win to stay in the title race did not seem like a move to attack, even taking into account Rooney’s recent injury woes. The Bulgarian, to be fair, did impress in his short time – but even his header which was narrowly wide from Nani’s cross, though decent, lacked that star factor.

With the game petering out and City sensing the opportunity to snatch three points, there was time remaining to revisit some of the defining factors from the previous clashes this campaign. Firstly, City were incorrectly awarded a corner, just as they were in the Carling Cup at Eastlands, but this time they were unable to score. It took an almighty good old fashioned heart in the mouth scramble to stop them though – van der Sar was left flagging at the cross, Vieira stabbed it across goal and time stood still as Nemanja Vidic threw his body on the line to ensure that neither Onouha or Tevez could be a goalscoring beneficiary.

Gabriel Obertan had come on by this point for Valencia, who had looked United’s best bet of a ball into the box, and the young winger offered little. It seemed there was little left on the pitch to create, but United had one trick left and it took all of the determination of one of the clubs best ever players to embody what the club are all about. The Red Devils settled the reverse league fixture and the Carling Cup tie with late goals, and that script was revisited with new cast. Scholes started the move which eventually led to Obertan seemingly clueless and crowded out, but admittedly cleverly finding Evra. Evra’s cross was good, Scholes timing of the run and accuracy of the header was better, evading Given’s full stretch reach and going right in the corner.

Stunned silence was followed by unadulterated joy, relief and renewed optimism. Should Spurs do United an unlikely favour against Chelsea in the evening game then the title race looks like it will be back on, when little more than a minute’s game time ago it looked to be all over. And you can trust that as long as it is possible, as long as United have the likes of Paul Scholes on the pitch, they’ll keep going until that very last kick.

Ratings : van der Sar 7, Neville 8, Evans 7, Vidic 8, Evra 7, Fletcher 6, Gibson 6 (Nani 6), *Scholes 9, Giggs 6, Rooney 6 (Berbatov), Valencia 7 (Obertan)

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Fingers last week could have been pointed at Mike Dean’s defining intervention; excuses could be made to a justifiable extent about the extremity of United’s injury crisis that in this game alone forced United to field 35+ veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in central midfield and 18 year old Federico Macheda up front while being able to give Patrice Evra a rest after having played every minute in the Premier League this season. Ultimately though, in those close games such as todays, a lack of class or urgency within the plan B – never more perfectly illustrated than the pitiful showing from Dimitar Berbatov – has rendered United unable to conquer those other obstacles.

The game against Blackburn Rovers had seen some tabloids and tabloid websites indicate the Red Devils’ Lancashire rivals would lay down on account of Sam Allardyce being one of the few managers in the top flight who dares to openly confess his admiration of the most successful manager in the history of the game but this was never going to be the case, and wasn’t – chances could have been counted on one hand and you’d still have fingers to spare.

Antonio Valencia did break through twice and saw his shots denied by Paul Robinson in the first half – the only other breakthrough, if you could call it that, being a nudge from Rovers sub Nelsen on Berbatov though it would have been harsh to give a penalty. The second of those chances from Valencia highlighted Berbatov’s only worthwhile contribution in the side with a decent ball. The Bulgarian has often been unfairly singled out for criticism in the past but in the last few weeks he has been given more than enough opportunity. He has been far too inconsistent and more importantly has not at any time provided a telling breakthrough, a match turning contribution, when it mattered. Today was a new low for United’s record signing – his lack of conviction and ability to perform at this most cutting edge of level was fully on show when late on he was unable to do anything other than timidly strike a shot at Robinson after being set up by Scholes and Gary Neville.

It said most about the game that it was Neville, one of the few to actually dedicate to the cause, who nearly snatched an unlikely win in stoppage time. It wasn’t to be, and deservedly so.

Chelsea should comfortably stroll to the title, and probably a Premier League and FA Cup double, and Arsenal’s favourable run in will see them even pip the reigning Champions to second. United were simply carrying too passengers and not enough game changers – Giggs was forced off with an injury in the second half, replaced by Gibson, who offered little. Macheda was harshly brought off for Park when at least he had shown he was on the pitch, unlike Berbatov. There was never enough on the bench to galvanise the side, and though unfortunately we have to single out the Bulgarian again, it was his mere presence in the side that made United the lumbering side that ultimately relinquished their title this afternoon.

He has won a Premier League title, two Carling Cups and a World Club Cup in his 20 months at the club without so much as a tangible contribution that would illustrate his value. He can’t and shouldn’t be single handedly given the blame for this seasons failure either but his lack of effort in the game was indicative of the side that seems to have been complacent and expectant of someone else to rescue them. No Ronaldo or Tevez, no Rooney, no Macheda, no Giggs or Owen, no-one ever likely to produce the spirit late on that would snatch a result.

The defining period of the last 11 days has proved that United have been not good enough. What opportunity, if any, Sir Alex Ferguson has in the summer to rectify this with the funds at his disposal remains to be seen, though one would expect any funds at all to be bolstered with the proceeds of the sales of the likes of Berbatov.

Ratings: van der Sar 6, Neville 7, *Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, O’Shea 5 (Evra), Valencia 7, Scholes 5, Giggs 6 (Gibson 5), Nani 7, Berbatov 4, Macheda 5 (Park 5)

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The news that Wayne Rooney was not only fit to take his place in the squad but would start gave a massive boost to the Old Trafford crowd and led to a wonderful atmosphere in the opening period – you wouldn’t put it past Sir Alex Ferguson to have delayed the news for that very reason given the downcast feel of the last 8 days, ultimately though, that decision would backfire on the legendary manager. Old Trafford didn’t have to wait too long to reach fever pitch – with the first chance of the game in the third minute, Darron Gibson fired home a 20 yard shot that was clearly not anticipated by the Bayern defence. Rafael had done well to find Rooney in the build up and it was the returning forward who set up the goal.

Rooney’s importance to the cause has been underlined by his mammoth goal haul this season but he showed just how instrumental he is to the heartbeat of this team by providing the major breakthrough for the second goal in only the 7th minute – his brilliant cross field pass found Valencia, and the winger delayed his ball into the area until the most opportune time. That time was when Nani ghosted near post and Valencia’s clever ball in was extravagantly flicked in the number 17.

Michael Carrick shot wide from 20 yards and Rooney headed over from a corner before twisting his ankle in the 20th minute to send the home crowd into silent fear – fortunately, he recovered after a few minutes limping. Two more long range shots from Nani and Gibson followed before Rafael almost capped a brilliant individual first half, first dispossessing Ribery with ease, then receiving the ball from Gibson as he broke. The full back raced the length of the Bayern half but in the crucial moment got a rush of blood to the head. He shot across goal with Rooney waiting – United, though, were not made to wait too long for a third.

Daniel van Buyten had a sly dig at Rooney’s ankle and van Bommel was slightly fortunate to stay on the field after a series of fouls in quick succession, while Olic reminding United of his own threat when he latched onto a Muller flick only to see van der Sar magnificently block out the chance, but when Rafael’s throw caught the visitors on the back foot Valencia humiliated van Buyten and pulled the ball across the area. Nani was there to meet it again on the edge of the area with a classy, composed finish into the roof of the net.

A thrilling first half did end on a negative note when Olic was the beneficiary of another Muller flick and all too easily shrugged off Michael Carrick and then shot across goal into the far corner. It could have got worse in first half stoppage time – Fletcher was impeded in almost an identical situation to which he had seconds previously conceded a foul, Robben got the ball and from 25 yards forced his compatriot van der Sar into what seemed like it would be a crucial athletic save.

Nervous anticipation gave way to the same defeatist realisation that dawned on the home supporters after Drogba’s goal on Saturday, when Rafael was dismissed for hauling back Ribery in the 50th minute. It was slightly harsh on Rafael considering his first yellow was probably undeserved, and Ribery flung an elbow in the youngsters face in the tussle which lead to the second – Sir Alex later lamented that he felt the Bayern players had got the youngster sent off and it would be difficult to argue. Badstuber was booked soon after for a wild lunge on Valencia, and Nani almost scored from the resultant free kick – keeper Butt punched only as far as the young Portuguese and his flick and volley was just tipped over. The corner to follow saw the end of Wayne Rooney, after consistent targetting from the defenders, he was unable to continue and John O’Shea replaced him. O’Shea moved to right back in Rafael’s absence and with no natural frontman on the pitch – and no rush from Ferguson to risk that second substitution with United edging the tie – from then on it became a defensive exercise which the home team ultimately failed.

Ribery had forced van der Sar into a punched save from a volley while Nani had raced faster than what his body seemed able to handle to almost complete a hat-trick. Gomez glanced the cross bar from a Lahm cross and Schweinstiger tested United’s dutch stopper from 20 yards. Nani and Valencia combined on a break to play in Gibson, but the midfielder’s vision was crucially blocked by the referee and his shot was tame. Despite that rare moment of hope it was apparent that it was merely a brief respite from the inevitable.

Bayern broke when Carrick – again, embarrassingly poor in a big game – shockingly surrendered possession. Robben’s left hand raid and striker was deflected wide by Vidic, and Bayern forced another corner afterwards. Ribery’s set piece was volleyed in with clinical, brilliant accuracy from 20 yards by Robben. That the goal came with quarter of a hour remaining and was replied to with what was tantamount to a white flag said all that was needed about United’s response. Berbatov and Giggs came on for Carrick and Gibson ad while the Welshman at least got involved, the Bulgarian’s contributions amounted to conceding a throw in and deciding not to chase a ball in the 90th minute.

Ribery and Nani both fired shots wide in the 89th minute, the game petered out to the visitors preference – Sir Alex may reflect on trademark German gamesmanship (and did, to defamational reference by Phil McCulty of the BBC) that turned the tie against his side and he may have cause to feel this compounds his woes after the miscarraige of justice at the weekend, but the truth is tonight, even taking into account the ten men for 40 minutes, United’s second half display lacked vigour and passion and worst of all included a level of complacency when they most needed concentration.

The post match eulogies will be written in mass; even though the tie was so finely balanced after United’s poor first leg show and obvious restrictions tonight, it is clear that 3 years on almost to the day from the Roma game in which Michael Carrick was superb; he has failed to do so in almost every crucial game since. Likewise Dimitar Berbatov – he admittedly was given only quarter of an hour but was so anonymous that United may as well have had 9 men, and the most damning verdict of all against the “languid” striker being that of the home crowd who were hoping for the presence of Federico Macheda instead. Even if he only had presence; that was more than what Berbatov offered.

Ratings : van der Sar 6, Rafael 8, Ferdinand 6, Vidic 6, Evra 6, Valencia 7, Gibson 7 (Giggs), Carrick 4 (Berbatov), Fletcher 5, *Nani 8, Rooney 7 (O’Shea 5)

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Didier Drogba came off the bench to score a goal despite clearly being offside as referee Mike Dean handed Chelsea a probable unassailable advantage in the title race. Dean, who is also a Liverpool fan, made several bad decisions – with increasing likelihood of deliberate intention – to do all in his power to halt Manchester United’s attempt for a record League title push.

With a below par performance from the defending Champions it wasn’t even as if the visitors needed the helping hand to get at least a point, but the assistance they did receive was so much in abundance that question marks should be raised – although they obviously won’t – over the credibility of the impartiality of the officials.

The first half hour in particular saw the Old Trafford crowd witness a slow start from their heroes – Alex’s early header was wide and Joe Cole scuffed an effort after Nemanja Vidic was nervous twice in a clearance. Chelsea got a deserved goal in the 20th minute – in-form winger Malouda was inexplicably allowed to drift into a dangerous space by Fletcher, and he played into Cole. The midfielder was able to get in front of Ferdinand and Evra and perform a cute flick into the opposite corner – a rare show of ability from the once highly rated player.

Much had been made in the build up of Dimitar Berbatov’s importance to Uniteds chances – but it was referee Dean’s intervention from thereon that sealed a crucial result. 6 minutes after the goal, the Red Devils attacked through Park who weaved a mazy dribble through the defence but he was fouled just inside the area. The incident drew immediate comparisons with the foul on Valencia in United’s previous home game against Liverpool, in almost an exact position. Bottling on a decision to give a penalty would have been understandable had the referee given a free kick; his decision to not award anything hinted at a sinister undertone. Some may have seen Dean’s decision to not give Chelsea a penalty four minutes later for a mistimed tackle by Neville on Anelka as a levelling out of poor officiating but two wrongs don’t make a right, despite a probable admittance of fault by not awarding it.

United improved slightly towards the end of the half but their threat only embodied itself in another penalty appeal – Lampard was reckless on Berbatov, and although he won the ball, the “ball first” mentality was gone a long time ago when taking into consideration with a tackle from behind. Nonetheless, Dean and his official nearest the away end were in no mood to play by the rules.

The visitors almost caught United cold again early in the second period when Paulo Ferreira was allowed to dribble half the length of the pitch – only the veteran Portuguese full back’s lack of conviction in the penalty let the hosts off. As the Champions began to take the initiative, Chelsea’s tactical breaking up of the play began to feature prominently, to the extent that the ‘Braziliguese’ schemer Deco should have been sent off when he was booked and then escaped two bookable offences straight after.

After Berbatov missed two headed chances, first from a Giggs cross and then from one by Neville, United made changes, introducing Nani and Macheda for Park and Scholes. It was game on – enough impetus for Dean to make it game over. Chelsea had brought on Drogba for Anelka and it was his goal, 13 minutes from time, that sealed things. The striker was played in by Malouda but he was clearly at least 2 yards offside – so was another Chelsea player – and the linesman and Dean allowed him to take full advantage of that time and space. The Ivory Coast forward doesn’t normally need such space so made no mistake to seal a gift wrapped chance when afforded it.

Hope was rekindled when the substitutes combined and Macheda bundled in Nani’s cross to half the deficit, though that hope was quickly extinguished with the cold hard reality that Dean would never allow the fair result. Sir Alex Ferguson conceded after the game that the title was Chelsea’s to throw away and was quick to voice his dismay at the most biased refereeing performance in modern day top level footballing history – though he stopped short of describing it in such candid terms – and United’s below par display did little to raise the morale of an Old Trafford faithful who are praying for an unlikely comeback in the midweek European fixture.

Chelsea move to the top of the table and have gained a valuable advantage in what was the most enthralling title race in years – however it seems as if it will be the first ever to be decided by a referee. Years ago John Fashanu and Bruce Grobbelar were accused of match fixing for lesser “crimes” – if the FA has any integrity and wants people to believe in it’s respect campaign, the very least it should do is confirm it’s contempt with Dean and his team and sack them from their positions with immediate effect in the fear that they will further fix the competition.

The shambolic officiating does not compensate for and should not distract attention from Ferguson’s team being very poor for at least most of the first half. The options at the disposal of the legendary manager were self explanatory as much as they were restricted so little fault can be laid at his door, but their lack of impetus from the players selected with the stakes so high were sorely disappointing. It is out of Ferguson’s hands now whatever the case; it would be harsh to level that on his admittedly poor troops when faced with such a terrible refereeing display.

Ratings: van der Sar 6, Neville 6, Ferdinand 6, *Vidic 7, Evra 6, Valencia 5, Fletcher 5, Scholes 5 (Macheda 7), Giggs 6, Park 5 (Nani 6), Berbatov 5

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Rooney’s fortunes mirrored that of his side; less than 70 seconds were on the clock when Nani won a free kick in the corner and the winger’s cross from the set piece was converted by him. The early goal merely bred complacency; though Nani did well but shot wide on 16 minutes and then hit the bar with a cross in the 21st. Bayern had offered their own threats in the first half but in the second period really stepped up the pressure – with the English Champions and league leaders unbelievably complacent in possession, the hosts really pressed home their superiority – a succession of early corners came to nothing, van der Sar was forced into saves from Altintop and van Bommel and then around the three quarter mark Pranjic’s shot was deflected over from Scholes. van der Sar had to be alert to stop Olic’s chance in the 72nd, but the equaliser was becoming an evitability – it certainly didn’t need Neville’s needless and unreal decision to handball 20 yards out. Ribery’s 77th minute free kick ricocheted off Rooney in the wall and into the net.

Ryan Giggs’s corner moments after being brought on did set up a Vidic header that smashed the crossbar but Bayern were always more likely to score a winner – it came deep into injury time, after Rooney was cast aside and trod on (though from the replay it would be harsh to deem it a deliberate foul), Olic was able to capitalise on Evra’s out of character dawdle on the ball to cut inside and seal the result for the Germans.

It remains to be seen whether the severity of Rooney’s injury will have a significant impact on United’s trophy chances but early indications suggest he will probably miss the biggest part of the end of the season at least – a scenario that was met with bizarre euphoria by broadcasters at Sky Television, with commentators Martin Tyler and Andy Gray not only revelling in Bayern’s last gasp victory (labelling it revenge, though they have beaten us in similar circumstances since 1999), but also treating the Rooney injury with more than a mere degree of glee. The ridiculous reaction of the British media should not really astound or even affect United followers as much as the potential impact of Rooney’s injury; a night like tonight should be one of reflection to the regret and then a swift look forward to the packed run in. Sadly, given the doom-mongering that seems to set in, one feels the scene is set for a media attack when our country should be looking at their European counterparts, celebrating the efforts of their most decorated teams.

Introspectively, there are questions to be asked – in particular, defensively, United were awful, and if as likely Rooney is absent next week, Ferguson needs to swiftly conjure up a potent potion that is capable of scoring two goals in the return fixture. Otherwise, instead of looking forward to a great chance of winning two major trophies, in 8 days time, United could find themselves out of the reasonable running for both.

Ratings : van der Sar 7, Neville 6, Ferdinand 6, Vidic 6, Evra 5, Park 5 (Valencia), Carrick 5 (Berbatov), Fletcher 6, Scholes 6, Nani 5 (Giggs), *Rooney 7

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After Chelsea had hit Aston Villa for seven and Arsenal had got a point at Birmingham, Manchester United – minus leading scorer Wayne Rooney – secured a massive result at the Reebok Stadium, beating local rivals Bolton Wanderers 4-0 to move back to the top of the table.

After a Jay Lloyd Samuel own goal had given the visitors the advantage, Dimitar Berbatov scored twice and Darron Gibson wrapped up an emphatic result from a potentially tricky obstacle.

The on-paper-defined difficulty – particularly given the absence of Rooney and Rio Ferdinand – was never really represented in reality as the Champions displayed all their experience and ability to make the fixture as much of a procession as it could reasonably be. Darren Fletcher set up two early chances, first for Berbatov and then for Jonny Evans – the Bulgarian’s excellent shot from an angle was well saved, and Evans’ left foot shot with an inviting goal went over.

Bolton’s best chance came in the 26th minute after on loan Arsenal midfielder Wilshere brilliantly played in Elmander, but van der Sar made a smart save. Five minutes later the returning Ryan Giggs could have scored but his shot went over, despite the legend having done great work in the build up. The Welshman was to prove the defining factor in this game, however, and it was his contribution in the 38th minute that swung the match in Uniteds favour. Nani did fantastically well to give Giggs the ball, the United veteran provided a trademark pass into the area – Samuel was unfortunate that he was the one to connect but still probably will feel he could have done better, as the ball rolled into the corner of the goal.

The big chance to equalise came right on half time, through another ex-Gunner, Muamba, but van der Sar made an exceptional save to preserve United’s half time lead. The stakes were high in the second half – Boltons combative attitude never reflected into any worthwhile chances, and the result rested on the Red Devils desire to finish the game off. Fortunately for the visiting faithful that desire was in abundance, and after Berbatov had fallen over and Valencia had shot wide to give the hosts early threats, a flurry in the final quarter of the game left no-one either inside the stadium or watching in London (or Birmingham) any doubt.

Giggs’ return had been a real telling contribution to the cause and it was his smart pass inside to Fletcher that created all the havoc for the decisive second – Fletcher’s shot from distance was saved, but only parried towards Berbatov, who finished easily.

Nani has been making the headlines for his sensational form on the pitch as of late but on Friday celebrated that with an improved, elongated contract – he burst into life to show just why his career at Old Trafford has been extended with two individual examples of his vastly improved intelligence. Both goals originated from the Poruguese’s position on the left hand side, and after first skinning his marker in the 77th minute to casually play in Berbatov for his second and the team’s third, Nani did the same trick 5 minutes later, this time gifting substitute Gibson a goal just a minute and a half after coming on.

It was the perfect response to the earlier results and leaves United in a great position heading into next Saturday’s crucial encounter with Chelsea – win that, and the Champions could even afford a slip up elsewhere.

Ratings : van der Sar 8, Neville 7, Evans 7, Vidic 8, Evra 7, Valencia 7, Fletcher 7 (Gibson), Scholes 7, Giggs 8 (Macheda), *Nani 9, Berbatov 8

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