Vicente Guaita : Showed great readjustment to paw a Matic shot behind for a corner. A couple of standard stops, and had to scamper on occasion for deflected shots. 7
Joel Ward : A difficult task up against a United side who like to create down their left with Shaw bombing on. Started strongly, making a number of good headers as well as a clattering tackle on Shaw. Put in a goal-saving slide to clear a low cross that would have given Cavani a tap-in. Combined well with Townsend to limit the threat. Consistently the winner in battles down his side in pretty much the complete defensive display. 9
Cheikhou Kouyate : Looked decent in the first half, making some clearances and also galloping forward on one occasion, but was unfortunately unsuccessful. Made a big headed clearance with United trying to turn the screw. 7
Gary Cahill : The ball just evaded his run that could have been an early opener. Got a bit lucky when choosing to head a ball that was clearly heading through to Guaita, the keeper shouting to him, and repeated the trick early in the second half. 7
Patrick van Aanholt : Showed his attacking prowess to sit Fred on his backside early on, but saw his cross blocked for a corner. Not famed for the defensive side of his game, but showed plenty of fight and battle to prevent United creating chances down his side. 7
Luka Milivojevic : Did really well to win the ball back in the area after Cahill had put in a dodgy clearance. Linked well in the first half with McCarthy to put up a blockade and keep the ball a little better than last time out. 7
James McCarthy : Made a vital header to take a chance off the head of Rashford. Made an impression in the first half. Unfortunately limped out after an hour, a disappointing end to his first start for a while. 6
Andros Townsend : Put in a couple of dangerous early crosses, setting up a chance for Benteke. Had an opportunity after making a good interception, but unfortunately lost his footing. Combined well with Ward to limit threat on United's left flank. 7
Ebere Eze : Back out onto the wing and it seemed to suit him in the first half, ghosting in side on a couple of occasions with slick footwork. A little quiet again as he saw little of the ball. 6
Jordan Ayew : Started just behind Benteke, linking well early to cause problems. Strong and direct on the ball. Constant battling earned him a shot from the edge of the area - but it was from a slightly ambitious angle. Set up a good opportunity for Benteke. 7
Christian Benteke : Had an early chance with a volley, but snatched at it, firing over. Caused problems for United with decent hold up, earning a free-kick in a dangerous area in the first half. Plenty to contribute going forward and back, but should have done better with an opportunity from an Ayew cross, missing his kick. 7
Subs
Jairo Riedewald: On to replace the injured McCarthy after an hour. Plenty of battle and some decent moments on the ball. 6
Jeff Schlupp: Came on for the last 10 minutes, but understandably looked a little off the pace.
