Braga 1-3 Manchester United: Rating the United Players in Dramatic Win

It may have taken a blackout inside the Estadio AXA to inspire them to victory, but Manchester United sealed their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a late win over an unfortunate Braga side.

The Portuguese club had taken the lead not long before half-time when a dubious penalty decision went their way, but the introduction of Robin van Persie to the game didn't take long to pay dividends—the Dutchman tying things up with ten minutes to play.

A Wayne Rooney penalty and a scrappy Javier Hernandez effort in injury-time sealed a 3-1 win that will delight Sir Alex Ferguson, no matter how much of a struggle it was to achieve.

Here are the full player ratings for the United team.

David De Gea: 7

David de Gea was kept on his toes by a Braga side unafraid of peppering his goal with plenty of shots.

The Spanish keeper was left helpless by Alan's excellent penalty strike, but did well in the second half to foil Coelho's well-struck free kick.

The previously erratic shot-stopper has done well in his last few appearances for the Red Devils, and deserves to retain his place as United's number one.

Antonio Valencia: 7

United's Ecuadorian winger was his side's most potent attacking threat for much of Wednesday's game, often getting into more advanced positions that his right flank teammate Nani.

His most significant impact on the game was his excellent late run and pull back for Wayne Rooney, which eventually resulted in Chicharito's dagger.

In the place of Rafael at right-back, Valencia also did well defensively by keeping Braga from dominating the area of the pitch in the same way they did during the reverse fixture at Old Trafford two weeks ago.

Chris Smalling: 6

Back from a long period out injured, Chris Smalling returned to the fray Wednesday night to take his place in central defense alongside Jonny Evans.

Although he did little to distinguish himself, the strong English centre-back dealt with the threat of Eder a little better than Evans did.

At one point, he gave United fans reason for concern by pulling up lame, but eventually played the full 90 minutes to the relief of his manager.

Jonny Evans: 5

Jonny Evans has been United's most reliable defender so far this season, but he was disappointingly poor against Braga.

The Northern Irishman failed to keep a lid on the beastly Eder for most of the game, outfought and outmuscled in and around his own area.

He was mercifully subbed off after the light delay for Rio Ferdinand.

Patrice Evra: 6

Patrice Evra was not as terrible as he can be. For that reason alone, United fans should be pleased with his performance against Braga.

He was his side's only genuine threat down the left flank, due to Ryan Giggs constantly drifting infield, but was still unable to get forward as often as he might like.

The Frenchman did at least deal with the buzzing Alan better than Alex Buttner had done at Old Trafford two weeks ago.

Nani: 4

Nani's career at Old Trafford seems to be in the unfortunate epilogue stage at the moment.

Given a chance to impress against Braga, the Portuguese winger did anything but, misplacing numerous passes and crosses and looking generally uninspired.

A January exit for the man seems more and more inevitable with every passing day.

Anderson: 5

Manchester United fans have been crying out for Brazilian midfielder Anderson to be given more of a role in the United first team.

But, unfortunately for them and the man himself, his passing was quite terrible for most of Wednesday night's game.

His energy and enthusiasm was admirable, but with the technical side of his game still not up to par, are his days in Manchester numbered too?

Wayne Rooney: 7

Wayne Rooney's work rate continues to eclipse that of his teammates', as the recently converted box-to-box midfielder did well to keep Braga limited through the middle of the park.

Going forward he was not as influential as he can be, but managed to etch his name on the scoresheet with a well-taken penalty, and provided an assist for Chicharito's injury-time goal.

With Rooney fighting fit, United looks like a better team—pure and simple.

Ryan Giggs: 4

Ryan Giggs was Manchester United's weakest player on the pitch Wednesday night, and perhaps lucky to get a rating as high as 4.

His passing was poor, his first touch often left a lot to be desired, and creatively, he only seemed capable of passing sideways or backwards.

If United fans thought Michael Carrick was negative in possession, Giggs' display against Braga makes the Englishman look like Xavi in comparison.

Danny Welbeck: 5

The hugely anonymous Danny Welbeck did little to impress those watching with his run-out in Portugal.

The English forward failed to create anything in attack, but can perhaps be forgiven by the lack of service given to him from midfield.

His one opportunity in the Braga box resulted in a somewhat clumsy handball that killed a promising move dead.

Javier Hernandez: 6

Chicharito was as absent from the game as Danny Welbeck was for the first hour, but at least came to life in the final half-an-hour.

His stoppage time goal was sloppy and awkward, but his movement and awareness to get on to the end of Rooney's neat flick can at least be admired.

Like Welbeck, Hernandez can be forgiven his anonymity due to the lack of creativity behind him.

Substitutes

Rio Ferdinand: 6

The English centre-back had little to do in his thirty minute cameo, but did better in dealing with Eder than Evans had done before him.

Robin van Persie: 7

Super-sub van Persie took his goal with typical aplomb, once again justifying his standing as United's most reliable goalscorer.

Rafael: 6

Brought on with a little more than 15 minutes to play, Rafael's introduction to the game gave Valencia the opportunity to push forward more—a change that had a significant impact on the game.

What did you make of the win over Braga? Who was your player of the game?