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A nervous start for Sir Bobby’s surprise choice and he almost gifted Pavel Nedved a goal inside the first 20 minutes. Improved as the game went on and made a good block from a Del Piero free-kick.
ANDY GRIFFIN 8/10
Scored the crucial goal and defended as well as he ever has. Kept Nedved in check in the second half.
AARON HUGHES 7/10
Mr consistent defended well again, but his distribution was occasionally poor.
ANDY O’BRIEN 7/10
Solid performance from the Ireland international, a huge improvement on his showing at Blackburn. Played a major part in keeping Del Piero and Di Vaio quiet.
TITUS BRAMBLE 9/10
Without question the man-of-the-match. Solid in defence, used the ball superbly and didn’t give Del Piero a kick.
NOLBERTO SOLANO 6/10
Quietly efficient rather than back to his brilliant best. Nobby hasn’t hit the heights of last season yet and his place will be under pressure soon.
LAURENT ROBERT 6/10
Disappointing again, but kept Thuram quiet. Wasted a golden opportunity in the first half.
GARY SPEED 8/10
Immense performance from Gary, one of his best in a United shirt.
JERMAINE JENAS 8/10
Struggled in the first 20 minutes, but improved and dominated midfield after Davids had gone off. Top quality performance from a player who should start more often.
LOMANA LUA LUA 8/10
Lomana’s best performance for us, looked a genuine threat throughout the game and was more team orientated than usual.
ALAN SHEARER 8/10
Missed a great chance in the first half and saw Buffon produce a great save from his free kick. Hard work and physical presence troubled the Italian defence throughout.
Neither Shola Ameobi or Hugo Viana had long enough to prove themselves, but Hugo showed a few magic touches.