Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United: Player Ratings

Barcelona

Victor Valdés: Although he spilled Ronaldo’s free kick early on, but after that didn’t have much to do for the rest of the game.  6

Carles Puyol: Age was not a factor in this game as Puyol had got the better of Wayne Rooney. Not in his favourite position, but at the end of the day done his job.  8

Yaya Touré: Rose to the occasion, and had a comfortable game despite playing in an unfamiliar position.  7

Gerard Piqué: The former Manchester United man was impressive, and made a vital challenge early on to deny Park a clear goalscoring chance. 8

Sylvinho: For the 35 year old, job done. Not much was asked of the veteran and went forward without any real threat from the Red Devils.  6

Sergio Busquets: Barcelona’s anchoring midfielder was an important asset for the team. He stroked the ball around with consummate ease.  7

Xavi Hernández: Link up play was terrific. His pairing with Andres Iniesta made sure United had no rhythm and found it very comfortable in the middle. Terrific cross for Messi to set up the second killer goal. 8

Andrés Iniesta: Reluctant to give away the ball. Is there a better passer of the ball on the planet? Created the first goal, Iniesta pulled the strings for the team and is a strong candidate for player of the year.  9*

Lionel Messi: Played more centrally, but nonetheless he still managed to deliver. His second goal looked to have decided the game.   7

Thierry Henry: Not a great game for the former Arsenal man. Was subbed because he offered little to the side.  5

Samuel Eto’o: Brilliant technique for the first goal. The finish was exquisite and his overall performance was good, not great. 7

Man Utd

Edwin van der Sar: Was he at fault for the goals? Debatable, but at times he looked a bit dodgy.  6

John O’Shea: Not a bad game for the defender as Henry rarely threatened. Made some good tackles and showed some neat touches.   6

Rio Ferdinand: Out for a few weeks, but you could question his positioning for both goals.  6

Nemanja Vidic:  Should not have let Eto turn him so easily. After that he was solid, but could not make up for his  mistake. 6

Patrice Evra: Restricted very deep as he had no real chance to go forward. He put in a decent performance. 6

Anderson: Unconvincing was the word to describe him. Was subbed at half time as he failed to make any real impact. 4

Michael Carrick: Passed the ball well but the opposition midfield got the better of him today. It was a pity that he didn’t get the ball more. 6

Ryan Giggs: He was a weak link in the side today. Not very influential, showed some bad touches and was always in the wrong position. 5

Park Ji-sung: Replaced by Berbatov soon after as he failed to make a big impact. Some misplaced passes and his failure to do much with the ball was the story of his day. 5

Wayne Rooney: Was frustrated in his wide position. Puyol had contained him well, and saw so little of the ball. 5

Cristiano Ronaldo: Started positively, terrorising the defence at the  early stages and his shots gave a few warning sings but as game grew on, was subdued.  7