Manchester United vs. Ajax: Rating the United Players in Europa League

Manchester United are still alive in the Europa League.

United lost, 2-1, to Ajax on Thursday at Old Trafford, but it didn't matter. The Red Devils advanced to face Athletic Bilbao thanks to a 3-2 aggregate victory based in part on last week's 2-0 win in Amsterdam.

Sir Alex Ferguson won't be pleased with some of his players, though. Ajax posed a threat for most of the 90 minutes, taking advantage of space throughout United's midfield and defense.

Ferguson's decision to bring on Paul Scholes midway through the second half proved wise. The 37-year-old steadied the midfield and helped United slow Ajax's momentum.

Read on for player ratings, including our man of the match.

Goalkeeper 

David De Gea: 6.5

The headlines will focus on his outstanding reaction stop on Siem de Jong's glancing header, but De Gea also flapped at a cross in the first half, parrying into the middle of United's box. He had an all-around good performance, though. 

Defenders

Rafael Da Silva: 5.0

Rafael allowed too much space down his flank, and Ajax frequently took advantage. How did he not receive a yellow card for that dive?

Chris Smalling: 6.0

Surprisingly, Chris Smalling was the better of United's central defensive pair. That's because…

Phil Jones: 5.0

Jones often found himself out of position as Ajax poured forward. Perhaps that's why the Dutch had so much success. When Jonathan Evans came on, Jones mercifully moved into the midfield, to better effect.

Fabio Da Silva: 6.0

Fabio did pretty well with the tough task of marking Aras Özbiliz, though Özbiliz made himself a nuisance all night. Still, Fabio provided some consistency at fullback.

Midfielders

Ashley Young: 4.5

Young didn't get into the game much at all out on the wing. His substitution in the second half was expected and warranted.

Tom Cleverley: 5.0

Same for Cleverley. When he was replaced by Scholes, United's midfield suddenly had a lot more cohesion.

Park Ji-Sung: 5.5

Entrusted with the armband for the night, Park didn't have the effect you'd expect from a captain. That's not to say he played poorly. His interception started United's build-up for the opening goal, and that was typical of Park's defensive contribution.

Nani: 6.0

Nani provided more of a threat after halftime, though he posed a threat off and on throughout the match. He was unlucky not to score in the second half when he hit the top of the crossbar.

Forwards

Dimitar Berbatov: 6.0

Berbatov provided the final pass on Chicharito's opening goal, and the pair linked up well throughout the Bulgarian's time on the pitch. But, Berbatov often strayed into offside positions and struggled to make an impact when Chicharito wasn't involved.

Javier Hernandez: 7.0 (Man of the Match)

Chicharito's opening goal was superb—and much more difficult than it looked. His first touch was outstanding, as was his movement and creativity throughout the match.

Substitutions

Jonathan Evans: 6.0

Evans' introduction, along with that of Paul Scholes, transformed United. After the double-switch, United looked much more organized and better equipped to slow down Ajax. On the other hand, Evans could have done more on the visitors' late goal.

Paul Scholes: 6.5

See above. Scholes' impact was even greater because he immediately settled down a midfield in need of leadership.

Danny Welbeck: 6.5

Welbeck offered a different approach than Berbatov, and he played some decent crosses after replacing the Bulgarian. Not a bad cameo at all.