Manchester United vs. Swansea: Team Performance Ratings from the Liberty Stadium

After a successful international week for many of the Red Devils, Manchester United were welcomed back to the BPL with a victory away in Wales.

The domination of Manchester has been heavily weighted in favour of the sky blue boys next door, who retain their No. 1 spot with a victory at the Etihad against No. 3 Newcastle United.

But the boys in red put that in the back of their minds as they crossed borders into Wales to face off against a team that has not conceded any goals at home: Swansea City. 

Newly promoted, Swansea has been providing an entertaining and competitive opponent for teams that have faced them, especially in the confines of the Liberty Stadium.

Manchester United was able to ruin their admirable home record with another Javier Hernández goal away from Old Trafford. Overall, United was deserving of the win, although Swansea dominated play with 77 percent possession throughout the game.

There were a few players that put up fruitless and uninspired performances that will ultimately impact United negatively. However, United was able to win where it counts, and with steady performances from the defensive line and the experienced midfield, United were able to stay on top.

With the Magpies knocking on the door of Old Trafford in a week's time, Manchester United did not show much against the Swans that would definitely ensure a victory over Newcastle United. However, there is no doubt that if United keeps up their industrious and persistent ways, they can earn the victory.

David de Gea Earns Another Clean Sheet

David de Gea has maintained a clean sheet in all his Red Devil appearances since their visit from Manchester City and at Swansea City, it was no different.

The Spaniard puts up a solid A+ performance with comfortable saves and composure throughout the game. Although Swansea delivered a few corners that could turn the heat up on Manchester United, de Gea succeeded in keeping the Swans at bay.

Admittedly, Swansea wasn't able to put much uncomfortable pressure on de Gea, but he didn't let his guard down or fall off his line as he is prone to do at times.

From his previous expositions, David de Gea should be able to handle the Mapgie offense next week, especially back at home.

The Defensive Line Is Currently Manchester United's Most Valuable Asset

Phil Jones was an A+ coming off of a successful performance with England against both Spain and Sweden in the past few days.

He was a quiet support on the United back left. In the early minutes of the game, Jones guarded his man well, stopping Sinclair from his continuing threats at goal. Jones' presence in the game was important to both pace and possession for the Red Devils.

Most notable were Jones' 89th-minute strikes that struck the Swansea woodwork, ultimately denying Manchester United the opportunity to double their lead in Wales. Phil Jones has proven to be a successful United summer signing, putting up strong performances and scoring goals in every game.

The defensive pair of Vidic and Ferdinand make another return to the starting 11 to deliver pressure and composure throughout Swansea set pieces and attacking strikes.

Their domination in the central portion of the United third was A+, frustrating the Swans and obstructing their chances at goal. Despite Swansea's amazing home record this season, the United duo were able to maintain command and keep the score from becoming level by threats from Sinclair and Graham.

Vidic's head and Ferdinand's quick reflexes kept Swansea from leveling the score from six corners. The Red Devil central defending braces have been instrumental in the previous United victories both away and at home. Although Ferdinand's health is always a question, he seems to be putting up very solid appearances in the starting 11.

If their form is maintained, they save United from unassailable deficits.

Patrice Evra was a B+. The Frenchman saw yellow after clipping Swansea midfielder Nathan Dyer—his third BPL booking in a month. The pair of Dyer and Routledge caused many problems for Evra, leaving him to be substituted for Fabio six minutes into the second half. But his 52 minutes on the pitch were frenetic; he was dispossessed several times and did not effectuate plays as well as we all know he can.

Although there were some unsatisfactory moments, Evra still contributed to Manchester United's seven shots on goal, regardless of being thwarted by Michel Vorm.

Patrice Evra was not a shadow of his former self, but his frustrations and emotions seem to make appearances on the pitch that can have undesirable affects on his performance. Regardless, Evra has been a influential constant on the right.

Coming in as an early replacement for Evra in the second half, Brazilian defender Fabio ran hard and challenged Sinclair with an A performance.

His good defending left Swansea looking for other play options. However, Fabio conceded a foul on Swansea midfielder Gower in a dangerous spot that was cleaned up by the United defenders. Fabio produced several great challenges, and it took a lot of physical work from the Swans to challenge him.

The Welsh fixture was Fabio's second appearance of the season; he should be making more appearances throughout the next few weeks as his form improves.

A Mostly Experienced Manchester United Midfield Seems to Benefit the Devils

The infectious and entertaining sight of Manchester United football has dissolved in the past few weeks, replaced by struggles and performances very uncharacteristic of the midfield.

Alex Ferguson started an experienced midfield that proved to have the greatest offensive impact. Ryan Giggs' quick thinking and flick-on to Hernandez for a goal affirms his importance to the team.

The Welshman had a great game, putting up an A+ performance for the Red Devils; he attempted shots on the goal and made smart challenges to keep possession in Manchester United's favour.

There were many opportunities to link up with Rooney in the box, but the 11th-minute strike proved to be the most successful. The Swansea fixture was Giggs' first start of the BPL season, as Alex Ferguson and staff were probably using experience to gain the three points in Wales.

Also by his side was Ji-Sung Park putting up his fourth start in six caps this season. Park has always proved to be hard-working and industrious on both sides of the pitch, and this fixture was no different.

His nicely weighted crosses into the box to Rooney and Hernandez were met with unsuccessful outcomes, but what speaks to Park's A+ performance today, and in his previous matches, is his ability to fight to keep possession.

Even when he was thrown over unto the pitch, Park was able to win the ball and carry it to Evra, or regain possession through smart challenges. In all his appearances this season, Park still makes chances and takes the initiative in the midfield.

Carrick and Nani were quiet throughout the game, their head or foot finding the ball but coming up with no result.

Carrick put up a B+ performance, falling back in a deeper defensive role, while Nani could not make much happen. Nani's previous caps have been met with lackluster and ineffectual performances that are beginning to frustrate him.

Welshman Neil Taylor put consistent pressure early on Nani, to frustrate him through the run of play. Nani's foul on Gower, following the Chicharito goal, gave Swansea a free kick 30 meters away that could have leveled the score. 

His C display was punctuated by a powerful break through the Swansea defense in the 39th minute, leaving him a great look at the goal that didn't result in glory. It hasn't been his day for a couple weeks now in the red of Manchester.

Nani hasn't been as dominating or as brave as his early season form; this could come to make a great difference in United's offensive attack for the rest of the season.

Javier Hernández Is a Travelling Talisman, but Rooney Seems Uninspired

Wayne Rooney moves up from the central midfield and returns to his dangerous stance in the front along side Javier Hernández.

The the former Everton striker has seemed uninspired and couldn't connect with the ball or his teammates, producing a C display of his skills.

His bench warming over the international break could have had an psychological or physical impact on his game.

In the 37th minute, Rooney took a strike at goal from 40 yards away that went well wide of the Swansea post. His dismay was evident by his loud scream, reminiscent of his 2010 BPL autumn frustrations. Rooney was trying for goal, but kept coming up wanting.

There were moments of Rooney brilliance as one his passes was well met by Hernández, but the Chicharito sequel could not be created. Deeper into the second half, Rooney kept trying at range but was met by the confident gloves of Michel Vorm.

Wayne Rooney has not scored a Premier League goal since Chelsea visited Old Trafford in September and Red Devil fans hunger to see his name back on the scorecard.

Like Nani, it wasn't necessarily Swansea that kept Rooney subdued. Rooney's performances through the past few games have been mercurial, and hopefully at home against Newcastle, he will find his striking ways.

Chicharito's lovely 11-minute poach was the highlight of his A performance.

His third away goal in one month this season, Chicharito has kept United afloat at the top of the Premier League. Although Hernández still struggles to keep onside, his impeccable style of goal scoring is always welcomed.

Hopefully he can replicate his away statistics at home next week, but till then, the Mexican has proved his worth and importance early on in another game.

Swansea City Is Deserving of Their English Premier League Status

Swansea City currently sits at No. 13 in the Premier League after being promoted this season. Their performances at home and away have been a bit night and day, but the Swans are still able to produce entertaining and hard-working football.

Away from home they suffer from loss of insight and an indecisiveness that has yielded them the second-worst away form of any BPL team.

At home, however, they shine with a brilliance characteristic of Manchester United home performances. The Swans had won every home fixture till the Red Devils came to call, and still they proved to be a worthy opponent for the Champions, earning them a solid A performance.

The visit from Manchester United was their first meeting with a top team at the Liberty Stadium, and they seemed to hold their own, although United proved to be the better team in the end.

There is no doubt Swansea, with the quick legs of Dower and composure of Vorm, can maintain an excellent home form and also do well on tour throughout the rest of this dynamic 2011-12 BPL season.