Galatasaray 1-0 Manchester United: Rating the United Players in Fierce Battle

Sir Alex Ferguson's fledglings put up a brave fight in the hellish atmosphere of the Turk Telekom Arena Tuesday night, but ultimately came up short in the face of a determined Galatasaray side.

There was nothing except pride on the line for the Red Devils, as qualification to the Champions League knockout stages had already been secured, but for their opponents, victory was a must.

A Burak Yilmaz header eventually sealed a win, but United were not without their own chances in an entertaining clash.

Here are the full player ratings for the men in white, based on a 1-10 scale.

Anders Lindegaard: 7

A decent performance from the Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard, who was called on a number of times to beat away some long-range howitzers.

His shining moment came when he tipped a rasping Hamit Altintop effort onto the crossbar in the second half.

David de Gea's place as first choice should be safe, but it's good to know Lindegaard is still more than reliable in his stead.

Rafael: 5

There was little a leaping Rafael could do to head clear Yilmaz's goal—his lack of height an obvious factor in the failed attempt.

Going forward, the Brazilian full-back was unusually quiet, whilst at the back, he perhaps struggled to deal with the lively Nordin Amrabat.

Fatigue may have been an issue for the man who seems to start every game for United.

Phil Jones: 5

It was good to see Phil Jones back playing in a United shirt after having spent so long out injured.

The marauding defender did look very rusty at times, though—something that one expects from a returning player.

I'm not yet sure whether centre back is the best position for the Englishman to play, but with the team's current injury crisis in the role, his inclusion tonight was certainly worthy.

Michael Carrick: 6

It was a peculiar choice to field Michael Carrick in defence in the place of Scott Wootton, but I'm sure Sir Alex has his reasons for doing so.

Carrick obviously has a wiser head on his shoulders, and did, in all fairness, deal well with the tricky Yilmaz for much of the game.

An improved performance by the midfielder after his shocker at Norwich at the weekend.

Alex Buttner: 6

With the exception of some overhit crosses and lackadaisical passing, Alex Buttner had a fair game Tuesday night.

He competed with the advancing Emmanuel Eboue on his flank well, even if the majority of Galatasaray's attacking movement was focussed on Rafael's side of the pitch.

Buttner is still not worthy of taking Patrice Evra's place in the first team, but he is an excellent No. 2.

Darren Fletcher: 6

Midfield general Darren Fletcher served his purpose in the holding role well Tuesday, even if he failed to stand out in a congested part of the pitch.

The Scotsman is sure to be called on more by Sir Alex in the near future as he fights to get back to full fitness.

There was one unfortunate blemish on his day though—when he was outmuscled for Galatasaray's goal.

Anderson: 6

If you haven't already noticed, there are a fair number of sixes handed out to United players for their respective performances against Galatasary.

Anderson's display perfectly captured the efforts of his teammates—full of energy and passion, but ultimately lacking a final product.

Still, it was good to have a midfield that attacked with purpose, unlike that of the weekend.

Tom Cleverley: 7

Nearly kicked off the park in the first half by the hyper-aggressive Felipe Melo, Tom Cleverley bounced back to become one of United's best players over the course of the game.

His passing was slick and his movement bright, as he combined well with Anderson and Nick Powell.

The creative Cleverley's inclusion in the midfield is a must when Sir Alex dispenses with wingers and deploys a flat three as he in Turkey.

Nick Powell: 6

Young Nick Powell did his best in the hole for United, but found it difficult to break down a stubborn Galatasaray back line.

He came closest to scoring for his side when he rattled the crossbar with a header in the first half, but drifted out of the game in the second.

A full-blooded introduction to the Champions League for the attacking midfielder.

Danny Welbeck: 7

Danny Welbeck was one of Manchester United's best players Tuesday night, even if his final pass did occasionally let him down.

A buzzing threat when given room to run at Galatasaray's defence, the striker showed the type of impressive form he has shown while on England duty.

He'll still be on the fringes of the first team, but this display will have done him the power of good.

Javier Hernandez: 5

Javier Hernandez was unfortunately a little off his game Tuesday night.

The Mexican forward's display just went to prove that he needs good service to operate, something he wasn't really given Tuesday night.

When he was given an opportunity halfway through the second half, though, he dawdled on the ball and missed a golden chance to shoot.

Substitutes

Federico Macheda: 5

It was quite a sight to see Federico Macheda back on the pitch for the United first team, but he understandably looked well off his game.

Ashley Young: 5

The English winger failed to contribute anything of note in the final twenty minutes, except embarrassing himself with a pretty pathetic dive late on.

Joshua King: N/A

The Norwegian forward had five minutes on the pitch, but barely got two touches of the ball.