De Gea, Hernandez and Macheda during United’s visit to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
The Perfect Trio: Hernandez, De Gea and Macheda during United’s visit to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
2011: The Reds’ Year
What a year has it been!
It’s been an eventful 2011 in Manchester United’s world.
In an exciting climax to last season, the Reds have made histroy.
Let’s look back at some of the greatest memories the past year has harbored:
- Rooney’s overhead kick against Manchester City
- A record-breaking 19th title success
- Going to the Champions League final again
- Scholes, Neville and Van der Sar say farewell
- The arrivals of De Gea, Jones and Young
- Carling Cup debuts for United’s new breed
- An 8-2 thrashing of Arsenal
- Sir Alex’s 25th anniversary in charge
An amazing year, an amazing team!
Wishing all Reds a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year 2012, which can, hopefully be even greater than 2011!
Champ19ns, Bel19ve ★
UNITED WE STAND ★
One Love, One Life, One United ★
Swansea 0-1 Manchester United: Player Ratings
David de Gea 6.0
A solid performance from the young Spaniard, who kept his concentration to claim the ball well and made a sharp stop to deny Sinclair just after half-time.
Patrice Evra 5.0 
Seemed half a yard off Dyer and was poor positionally. Intelligent decision by Ferguson to replace the Frenchman with Fabio in the 51st minute shortly after he picked up a booking.
Phil Jones 5.5
Strong in the tackle but once again showed he has a lot of work to do on his awareness and positioning. Didn’t seem to have any idea where Sinclair was on a couple of occasions, including the glorious chance that the Swansea winger missed. Always a threat going forward and smashed an effort against the post from a tight angle in the closing moments.
Rio Ferdinand 8.0
A calm, assured display in central defence. Covered well as Vidic attacked the ball and always looked aware of his surroundings.
Nemanja Vidic 7.5
Once again led by example at the heart of the United defence with some excellent headers, tackles and interceptions to deny Swansea chances.
Ryan Giggs 6.5 
The Welshman reminded those in his homeland of his quality as he won possession and squared to Hernandez for United’s opener in the 11th minute. Flitted in and out of the game from then on but played with intelligence.
Ji-Sung Park 5.5
A rather weak performance from the South Korean. Poor use of the ball and found it hard to help defend against Dyer’s pace.
Michael Carrick 7.5
Played a very important role at the base of the United midfield, even though it wasn’t particularly eye-catching. Made some excellent interceptions to break up Swansea’s play and his passing was spot on.
Nani 5.5
The Portuguese winger had one of those afternoons when he doesn’t look interested. A couple of neat flicks and tricks, but no cut and thrust as Swansea dealt with him comfortably. DId force a good save from Vorm in the last action of the match with a curling effort.
Wayne Rooney 7.0
Picked the ball up in good positions and played some dangerous passes towards Hernandez. Spent most of the second half working defensively to put Swansea players under pressure. Late chip landed on the roof of the net but he never really looked like scoring.
Chicharito 7.0 
MAN OF THE MATCH
Gave United the lead in the 11th minute with a typical poacher’s finish after Giggs squared the ball. Always lively but appeared to lack confidence on the ball when he squared blindly in the first half and took a heavy touch in a good position after the break.
• Substitutions 
Fabio Da Silva 7.0
Replaced Evra in the 51st minute and did a far better job against Dyer with his pace and tenacity.
Darren Fletcher 6.0
Came on for Giggs 14 minutes from time as United looked to take a hold in midfield and see the game out.
Antonio Valencia 5.5
The Ecuadorian winger played on the right side of midfield after being introduced as a 54th minute replacement for Hernandez.
GoalAssistYellow CardSubstitution InSubstitution OutMan of the Match
What I have learned since the summer in England is more than most of my professional career in Spain. It is another world in all of the concepts. I didn’t play in the past weekend but Ferguson told me it was just so I could rest. He’s an incredible coach and without doubt the best in the world. United can still win it all. It is still not decided that City will finish first.
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| ? | David De Gea |
