Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Player Ratings in Red Devils' 1-0 Loss

It was a match Manchester United needed to win. It was a match they certainly could have won. It was a match that would have put them six points up on the league lead with two matches left.

Instead, the Red Devils are left to wonder, "What if?"

What if Ferguson had stuck with his one-two punch of Rooney and Welbeck partnering at forward instead of tinkering with this 4-3-3 formation?

What if the Red Devils defense had held out a minute longer and hadn't allowed an extra-time goal just before halftime?

What if Manchester City wins the title because of this match?

If Monday night's 1-0 loss to Manchester City wasn't a lethal blow to Manchester United's title hopes, it certainly set them back a way. 

Now, with two matches left, the Red Devils are tied with the Blues in points and down eight in goal differential. The lads of Old Trafford will lose the title to City if the Citizens win their remaining two games.

Manchester United were lackluster on offense and not much better at defense, but how did the individual players grade out?

Check out how all the Red Devils rated, and let me know if you agree.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea: 7.0

The young Spaniard's mental toughness was the difference between this being a 1-0 loss and a 3-0 defeat. Didn't see many shots on target, but stopped what he conceivably could. Wasn't at fault for Kompany's header at the end of the first half and made several agile saves. A real find for Old Trafford and a long-term fixture between the posts. If only his teammates at forward could have done something to add to the scoreline, De Gea would have bested the Blues.

Defenders

Patrice Evra: 5.5

Weak play on the left flank. Made a few interceptions, but caught out of position several times. Got more physical as the match dragged on, but matched spirited play with sloppy possession and tackling. Had to have more than one word with the referees.

Rio Ferdinand: 7.0

Strong in the air and a commanding presence on the ground as the 31-year-old veteran led well. Sorely missed injured partner Jonny Evans, but played well enough that if all four of the backline played like him the Blues would have left scoreless.

Chris Smalling: 5.0

Clumsy challenges in the first half that nearly led to some bookings. Lost Kompany in the shuffle on the only goal of the match. Played as well as he could, subbing for Evans at centre-back, but that one mistake will haunt the rarely used defender—and the rest of the Red Devils—for the remainder of the season.

Phil Jones: 6.0

Decent play at the right-back position, but didn't support the attack well. Thought he played too conservatively for United's sake.

Midfielders

Michael Carrick: 7.0

As he often is for Manchester United, a necessary—and underrated—part of the Red Devils midfield. Was all over the pitch, helping whoever needed it, and the biggest reason (besides De Gea) why Manchester City only won 1-0.

Paul Scholes: 6.0

Except for an early handball, nothing of note from the veteran midfielder. Good passes, but nothing strung together attack-wise.

Park Ji-Sung: 3.5

The absolute worst player on the pitch from either side. South Korea's finest was given a huge opportunity starting at Etihad Stadium with the season on the line and he blew it. Outmuscled by every Blues player who challenged him and had to be brought off in the 58th minute. Nothing good.

Danny Welbeck: 6.5

Gave Ji-Sung a break from his embarrassment, replacing the South Korean international with a half-hour to play. Provided a few sparks, but nothing of note. What was Ferguson thinking starting Welbeck, who's been absolutely on fire recently?

Antonio Valencia: 6.0

Came on in the 78th minute for the struggling Scholes. Nothing of note from another player who should have started from the opening whistle.

Forwards

Wayne Rooney: 5.0

What was wrong with Rooney tonight? He looked disinterested and played inconsistently all 90 minutes. Was a match against Manchester City to decide the Premier League boring? If he put as much passion into playing football tonight as he did in yelling at the referee, the Red Devils would have won 3-1 on his hat-trick.

Ryan Giggs: 5.5

Made a few runs at goal, but never got within 30 yards of the posts. All over the pitch, but never close enough to be dangerous.

Nani: 6.5

The best of Manchester United's forwards, but that's not saying much. Played spirited and with enthusiasm, which is more than I can say for Rooney and Giggs, but was stopped again and again by City's defenders. A couple of good, targeted shots at the beginning of the second half, but nothing much else of note.

Ashley Young: 6.0

Came on for Nani in the 83rd minute. Invisible for the seven minutes he was on the pitch.