Man for man marking

* EDWIN VAN DER SAR

United's best keeper since Peter Schmeichel. Made crucial saves and his composure settled defence. 9/10

* WES BROWN

Set the tone with opening tackle. Ran himself into the ground and largely coped with Duff. 7

* JOHN O'SHEA

Steady display and looks on the way back. 7

* RIO FERDINAND

Commanding display. When he can play like this no wonder Roy Keane is infuriated by the sloppy games. 9

* MIKAEL SILVESTRE

Fine passing in early stages and stood firm as Chelsea pressed late on. 8

* CRISTIANO RONALDO

Often wasteful in possession but came good for the goal. Booked. 8

* DARREN FLETCHER

Concentration lapsed when defending but great finish for his goal. Worked hard. 8

* PAUL SCHOLES

Back to his best. Competitive and very close with fierce shot. 8

* ALAN SMITH

A passable impression of Keano right down to collecting a booking. Important performance. 8

* WAYNE ROONEY

Wonderful movement, clever passing, terrific work rate. Did well in build up to the goal. 8

* RUUD VAN NISTELROOY

Worked hard but blazed over the bar in the second half when given his only sight of goal. Withdrawn. 6

SUBSTITUTES

Park Ji-Sung (for Van Nistelrooy, 81) 6

Chelsea

* PETR CECH

Caught wondering for Fletcher's goal. Lacked customary poise. 6/10

* PAULO FERREIRA

Gave Ronaldo too much space for goal but later blocked Rooney when dangerously placed. Booked. 6

* ASIER DEL HORNO

Twice went close to scoring but otherwise had little impact. Withdrawn. 6

* JOHN TERRY

Strong in defence as ever but was unable to lift his team to victory. 8

* WILLIAM GALLAS

Tidy performance alongside the captain but sometimes stretched. Booked. 7

* MICHAEL ESSIEN

Lost Fletcher for United's goal. Failed to make usual muscular impact. Withdrawn early on. 5

* CLAUDE MAKELELE

Knitted Chelsea's passing together in typically understated way but lacked influence. Booked. 6

* FRANK LAMPARD Worked hard to drive Chelsea forward but denied goal by Van der Sar. 7

* JOE COLE

Tireless work rate but unable to conjure trademark magic. Withdrawn. 6

* DIDIER DROGBA

Missed good early chance. Picked up a silly booking. 6

* DAMIAN DUFF

Stretched United on the flank but missed great chance to level after 55 minutes. 7

SUBSTITUTES

* EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN (for Essien, 54)

Nearly created goal for Duff with first touch. Continued to be influential. 8

* SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS (for Joe Cole, 73)

Never given sufficient service out wide to make an impact. 5

* CARLTON COLE (for Del Horno, 77)

Too little time to make any impression. 5