Edwin van der Sar: Very little to do in the first half, but he remained sharp of mind and kept Inter out when the inevitable spell of pressure arrived in the second half.

Rating: 6

John O’Shea: Solid in defence and got forward well in the first half, won plenty of headers and showed little sign of his injury causing him problems.

Rating: 6

Rio Ferdinand: An absolute rock at the back all night. Rio was the glue in the back four on a night when United were down to the bare bones at the back.

Rating: 7

Jonny Evans: Never overawed by the occasion – but in 25 games for United he’s given no reason to suggest he would be. Coped well with threat of Ibrahimovic and Adriano.

Rating: 7

Patrice Evra: Always threatened going forward in the first half, which helped United’s dominant attacking play, and dealt well with overlapping Inter full-back Maicon.

Rating: 8

Darren Fletcher: Outstanding performance from Fletcher, controlled possession in midfield in the first half alongside Carrick and protected the back four brilliantly.

Rating: 7

Michael Carrick: Wonderful array of passes and, like Fletcher, dictated the pace of play in the first 45 minutes. Had to remain composed as Inter edged second half.

Rating: 7

Ryan Giggs: The Italians used to fear Giggs’ pace as a winger, and they had plenty of reasons to be concerned with the Welshman as a creative midfield player. Always involved.

Rating: 5

Ji-sung Park: So vital to the way United played. Important tactically to the team’s shape, provided extra defensive cover and was a constant threat down the left flank.

Rating: 8

Cristiano Ronaldo: Constant menace, just a shame one of his free-kicks didn’t find the net. These are games you hope Ronaldo comes to the fore, and he did that, albeit without that crucial final touch.

Rating: 9

Dimitar Berbatov: Led the line admirably. Always looking for the ball and the perfect man for the task of lone front man on the night, bringing others around him into play.

Rating: 6

Substitute

Wayne Rooney (on for Park): had little time to make an impact, although he was harshly booked.

Rating: 6