e-Sunderland's Player Ratings Vs Manchester United

Article by Ben Mummery

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Vito Manonne – 10

Absolutely Superb. The Italian couldn’t have done more, during open play, or the shootout. Simon who?

Phil Bardsley – 8

Managed Kagawa extremely well, to the point that he hardly featured. Looks comfortable going forward still, and is definitely part of the true heart and soul of this Sunderland side.

Marco Alonso – 7

Lost one point for allowing Januzaj past him on more than one occasion, but a solid performance all round, especially as Januzaj could well be one of the most promising prospects in the world game at the moment. Fantastic effort towards the end of the game, but good service into the box throughout, suspect for Hernandez’s goal.

Wes Brown – 8

Mr. Cool, Wes Brown has ice in his veins under pressure. Solid, and makes up for what he lacks in pace with a wealth of experience and nous. A champion's league winner, and multiple title winner, with a string of silverware under his belt, these sort of fixtures are made for players like him.

John O’Shea – 8

The skipper led the side superbly again. He is helped with the likes of Cattermole and Bardsley’s leadership, but his performance was massively valued.

Lee Cattermole – 7

In fairness, this was asking a huge amount of the former skipper, but he did his job well as a holding midfielder. Calm in his tackles, and did well to generally disrupt United’s play in midfield. Replaced by Gardner after putting in a great shift.

Jack Colback – 7

A typical Colbackian shift. Hard work, lots of industry, but just a little “safety first” at times. A conservative pass all too often takes his preference over a killer ball or a cross.

Never the less, a good solid display as always.

Ki Sung Yeong – 9

Once again, the heartbeat of everything Sunderland did well. With or without the ball, he is everywhere.

Please Mr. Short, just get the cheque book out!

Fabio Borini – 8

Work, work, and more work. One of the few current squad players with genuine pace, the industrious Italian worked his socks off to help out his left back, as well as looking promising going forward, a great performance.

Adam Johnson - 7

Lost one point here, I’d have liked to see him a little more involved at times. Did well with the ball, but was clearly double marked which hampered his performance a little.

Awful Penalty as well.

Steven Fletcher – 7

Did his absolute best against a solid central defensive pair. Held the ball up well at times, and attracted defenders to create chances for others. Like Johnson, loses a point for a pitiful penalty.

SUBS

Gardner – 7

A good change from Poyet, Gardner still proving he can offer a lot to the team. Works hard, and provided some much needed fresh legs in extra time. Missed the first penalty of the shootout though, when all in the ground must have thought he’d score.

Altidore – 7

Not a terrible display from the burly American, but he must back himself more. A goal or two will light a fire under him I’m sure, but he must start to use his strength and presence to greater effect.

Should have stepped up for a pen, a man his size could surely take the pegs out of that net!