Aston Villa v Manchester United: Rating the United Players

It's hard to know what to make of Manchester United's 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Almost every player turned in a solid performance. United dominated possession. Villa hardly created a chance.

And yet United scored only one goal and never managed to kill off the match.

Villa didn't ever truly threaten, but a random goal by the hosts would have meant United went back north with two points dropped.

Strange. Just really, really strange. Sometimes, the more you know, the less you understand.

On to the ratings.

Goalkeeper

Anders Lindegaard: 7.0

I can't fault Lindegaard for much, really. He looked a bit shaky when he came off his line to make a second-half clearance, but he wasn't ever in danger of conceding a goal. This was a nice performance from the second-stringer.

Defenders

Chris Smalling: 7.0

It was a testament to Smalling that we hardly heard his name all afternoon. Remember, he had to deal with Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor. Granted, Villa's midfield never gave their attackers enough service.

Rio Ferdinand: 7.0

See above. Ferdinand didn't have much to do at all. He left the game in the second half with an injury, but it didn't look bad.

Nemanja Vidic: 7.5

Vidic led the United defense with a typically strong and physical performance. United have now allowed just three goals in seven away matches in the Premier League.

Patrice Evra: 7.0

Like the rest of United's defense, Evra didn't allow much to get by him. The Frenchman hadn't been playing well lately, but he was solid Saturday.

Midfielders

Michael Carrick: 7.0

Alongside the outstanding Phil Jones, Carrick ruled the midfield. Villa allowed him time and space, and Carrick obliged with good passing, spacing and movement.

Phil Jones: 7.5 (Man of the match)

Jones can do it all for United. Already a solid defender, Jones showed he can play the holding midfield role with surprising skill and assurance. I shouldn't be surprised, though: Jones has been a revelation in the same role for England. He took his goal very well. Jones, it has to be said, is turning into one of United's most valuable players this season.

Nani: 7.0

Nani started on the wing but moved up top when Chicharito went off with his injury. He provided the cross for Jones' match-winner, and it was a beauty.

Ashley Young: 6.0

Young didn't play poorly in his return to Villa Park, but he wasn't great either. Saturday was a so-so game for him, much like his season so far.

Forwards

Chicharito: no rating

Chicharito was subbed out in the 12th minute after twisting his ankle on the Villa Park pitch in the sixth minute. Let's hope it's not serious.

Wayne Rooney: 6.5

Rooney was his normal creative self. It wasn't his best performance, but he created problems for Villa throughout as he drifted back and forth between the midfield and an advanced position.

Substitutes

Antonio Valencia: 6.5

Valencia played surprisingly well, considering the lack of playing time he's gotten this season. He could yet prove valuable—and versatile—for United.

Ryan Giggs: 5.5

Giggs replaced Ferdinand in the second half and promptly disappeared from view.

Danny Welbeck: no rating

Welbeck replaced Young in the 79th minute and didn't have much positive impact on the game.