Manchester United vs. Stoke City: Player Ratings from Red Devils' 2-0 Win

It was a game everyone expected Manchester United to win. It was a game that, on paper, the Red Devils should have dominated.

Most of all, it was a game that, thanks to Everton's win over Manchester City, drew United to a tie for first in the league table.

Things certainly didn't start the way fans at Old Trafford thought they would. United certainly held dominance in terms of possession, but the only shot on goal in the first half was a successfully converted penalty kick by Javier Hernandez.

The second half started off as much of the same, as Stoke conceded a second penalty in the 52nd minute, which Dimitar Berbatov had the pleasure of knocking in.

As the game wore on, the center of United's defense started to soften, but the referee's whistle blew before Stoke could take advantage.

Manchester United, as a team, was patient and took few chances, but check out how the individual players did and let me know if you agree.

Goalkeeper

Ben Amos: 8.0

The 21-year-old earned his first ever start in league play this afternoon and held a clean sheet, so give him a pat on the back and a pint if you see him celebrating tonight in downtown Manchester. But, Stoke City's lack of offense was certainly a big help to Amos, as the young 'keeper faced only two shots on goal all day. He shook off nerves, as he easily stopped some long-range efforts early in the match and was all United needed to get level with City.

Defenders

Jonathan Evans: 7.5

Played well in the center of the defense, but was all over the field. Supported attacking possessions well and had a number of good crosses when Stoke's attack would fizzle out. When your 'keeper only faced two shots on goals all night, you've done a decent night's work at center back.

Rio Ferdinand: 6.5

Allowed several of Stoke City's set pieces to infiltrate the center of the defense. No goals conceded, however, and youngster Ben Amos rarely had to work for his clean sheet.

Patrice Evra: 7.5

Played with incredible discipline, intelligence and energy. Supported the attack well. Solid display of long passing along the left flank.

Chris Smalling: 6.5

His biggest assets tonight were in his clearances, which stopped Stoke City from stringing anything together. Good performance, but not great.

Midfielders

Paul Scholes: 8.0

In just a few short weeks, he has become the holding midfielder manager Sir Alex Ferguson needed all along. He controls the pace of the game as well as anyone and always looks as though he's about to score. Brilliant game from the 37-year-old.

Michael Carrick: 7.0

Nothing special for the veteran midfielder, as he was capable and competent, passing the ball with great accuracy.

Park Ji-Sung: 7.5

Had several good, fast runs at goal, but nothing materialized for South Korea's best player, except for assisting on the opening goal of the game.

Antonio Valencia: 8.0

Was as fast as ever on the right wing and is proving himself to be one of the best outside midfielders in the game. Didn't have Wayne Rooney in the center of the attack like normal, but still set up attacks well and got United possession in the box, something that helped them earn two penalty scores. Created some sensational chances late in the second half, but sadly, couldn't convert.

Paul Pogba: 7.0

Came on as substitute in the 73rd minute for Hernandez. Proved why he's much talked about as he fought for loose balls and fooled Stoke defenders when he had possession.

Forwards

Dimitar Berbatov: 7.5

The Bulgarian international was hot and cold against Stoke, missing several easy attempts late in the game, but showing how good a first touch he has on the ball—such as the attempt in the 49th minute, when he fed Park Ji-Sung beautifully only to have the midfielder barely miss the goal. 

Javier Hernandez: 7.5

Easily put the first one in the back of the net after Jermaine Pennant's errant (and foolish) penalty for Stoke. Showed quickness as he darted all over the pitch. Was he ever on United's side of the halfway line?