United 2 Benfica 2 (Player Ratings)

David De Gea Dealt smartly with a Pablo Aimar shot and also made a more routine save from the Argentinian but he'll be disappointed it was his kick-out that led to the Benfica forward's equaliser. Otherwise, he was very assured and had no chance with the own goal.

Fabio A tough character who made some spiky challenges and tackled with gusto. A casual chip allowed Artur to save when clean through in the second half but he also crossed well for a gilt-edged Dimitar Berbatov chance. Made one excellent recovery tackle after losing the ball high up the field.

Patrice Evra Struggled initially to cope with Nicolas Gaitan, who was playing on the right, but grew in stature and went on to enjoy an impressive display. Joined the attack with his usual vigour and enterprise and it was his excellent centre that created Darren Fletcher's strike.

Phil Jones After being moved into the middle due to Nemanja Vidic's suspension, the young defender suffered an awful start when putting through his own net in the third minute - although Gaitan's cross did take a slight deflection off Evra. Recovered his composure and one piece of beligerent play led to a clear chance for Fabio.

Rio Ferdinand Calm and unflappable throughout but was angry with the second goal United conceded. The ball struck him at an awkward height and fell invitingly for Pablo Aimar to slam in from close range as Benfica replied almost instantly to Fletcher's goal.

Antonio Valencia A little quiet, even if he did link up well with Fabio on a couple of occasions. Was unable to make the most of one promising break in the first half and was replaced with 10 minutes remaining by Javier Hernandez.

Michael Carrick A fine display as he grew more adventurous in his passing and helped United dictate matters at times. Some crunching tackles were a feature of his play and he was hugely unlucky to be booked for a fair one on Aimar. The yellow card means he misses the crunch trip to Basel. A sweeping pass to Nani out on the left was a highlight.

Darren Fletcher Neat and tidy in midfield and tracked back intelligently. Of course, his goal edged United in front, reacting sharply when Artur saved his initial shot to prod home his finish into an empty net. Was beaten by Rodrigo when the forward shot wide in the dying seconds but he can be well pleased with his work.

Nani Clearly up for the challenge of facing his fellow countryman, he was robust and firm in the tackle. A slalom run got the crowd on its feet, only for Ezequiel Garay to end it with a crude foul and he was given some rough treatment. Assisted Dimitar Berbatov's header with a superb cross and teed up Ashley Young for a great chance in the second half. Had a penalty shout rejected.

Ashley Young Worked hard in an advanced role, playing centrally off Berbatov, but was unable to get on the scoresheet. Was thwarted by Artur in a one-on-one seconds after Berbatov's equaliser and he was unable to convert a Nani centre after the interval. Drifted offside on a few occasions but that was understandable as he tried to adapt to a role he's not really been used in at Old Trafford.

Dimitar Berbatov Had a quiet opening as he led the line but his influence grew markedly after placing a header wide of Artur from Nani's cross. Garay deflected a shot from the Bulgarian over the bar and he was guilty of blasting a volley over the top that could have won the points late on. Twice tapped into an empty net after the whistle had gone.

SUBSTITUTES
Javier Hernandez (for Valencia, 80) Had little sniff of goal after coming on for the final stages.

Chris Smalling (for Fabio, 82) Tasted some action towards the end and was unable to steal the headlines with a wild shot well over the top.

source : Manutd