Funniest among the whines was Owen Hargreaves's "scrappy goals" comment. Now we know that Canadians are not that au fait with the conventions of soccerball but when a team that is frequently accused of trying to score the perfect goal and walk the ball into the net starts knocking in scrappy goals for fun I would suggest it's time to get worried. And it appears United are.
Manuel Almunia - 5 - The dark spot in a bright season is our goalkeeping situation. Almunia isn't good enough to be No 1 and Jens is being kept out because he pointed out that Almunia isn't good enough. There is only one sensible solution to this matter. Bring Back Jens.
Bacary Sagna - 7 - Got forward well even when the ball didn't come his way from his partner on the right. His determination to set up the goal was exceptional and even though United had some success down his wing that was much to do with the players in front of him.
Kolo Toure - 7 - Dragged out of position a couple of times, but generally handled the threat of Rooney very well.
William Gallas - 8 - Growing into the captaincy as he added a vital goal to a superb defensive performance. Still not everyone's cup of tea but he's getting there.
Gael Clichy - 6 - Mostly coped with the threat of Ronaldo, but was caught playing too narrowly on a couple of occasions. Outdid his fellow full back with his determination to set up the second equaliser.
Emmanuel Eboue - 6 - Another mixed bag of a performance. Some promising runs, a great ball to Ade in the build-up to the first goal, but frequently ignored good overlaps from Sagna and at times seemed to be reverting to his old right back role.
Mathieu Flamini - 8 - Doesn't take a step backwards which epitomises the spirit in the team. Unlike the Almunia/Jens situation he is keeping Gilberto out of the team because he may prove to be a better player.
Cesc Fabregas - 8 - Such calm finishing and a wonderful ability to wind up the opposition - the boy has everything.
Tomas Rosicky - 5 - Struggling to find form between injuries - well there's hardly time.
Alex Hleb - 7 - Guilty of dropping too deep when he was supposed to be supporting Ade but a constant threat when he got the ball in the United half.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 7 - Needs to get among the goals - and probably needs RVP back as soon as possible - but his workrate and sheer physical force are making even quality defenders such as Vidic and Ferdinand panic which is no bad thing
Substitutes:
Theo Walcott - 5 - Harshly criticised for letting Evra run for United's second, he will be thanking God and Gallas that the skipper had already scored when he had another Sunderland moment.
Gilberto Silva - 5 - Nice to have his experience to come on in a game like this.
Eduardo Silva - 5 - Snatched at his one chance for glory.