[rondwisan]

Player Rating
UEFA European Champions League
Benfica1 - Manchester United1
Star man: Anders Lindegaard
MEN, James Robson - Wednesday 14 September, 19:45


Anders Lindegaard - 9
Could do nothing about Cardozo's goal, but otherwise looked impressive in the heat of the Stadium of Light. World class save to deny Nolito and another good stop to give Fergie a dilemma against Chelsea on Sunday

Fábio - 7
Couldn't get forward as often as he would like with Benfica giving the Brazilian plenty to think about defensively. Replaced by Jones as the pressure mounted late on

Chris Smalling - 7
Back in the centre of defence he had his hands full with Benfica's mobile attack of Cardozo, Aimar Gaitan. Endured some uncomfortable moments in the first half, but generally looked solid

Jonny Evans - 6
Turned too easily by Cardozo for Benfica's opening goal, but collected himself well to keep the impressive Portuguese side at bay when they pushed for a winner

Patrice Evra - 7
Also culpable for Cardozo's goal, taking too long to get back to cover Evans. But became an increasing attacking threat as United began to press in the second half

Darren Fletcher - 6
Good to see the Scot back in United's starting XI. Got stronger as the match went on, but noticable that the champions' midfield lacked the pace and energy of the opening weeks of the season

Ryan Giggs - 8
Memorable strike moved him past Denis Law as United's second all-time leading goal-scorer in Europe with 29 goals behind Ruud van Nistelrooy. Might have scored a second, but for a great save from Artur

Antonio Valencia - 6
United's main attacking outlet in the first half, but crossing often let him down. Cross after the break deserved a goal and produced crucial tackle on Gaitan when Benfica were 1-0 up

Michael Carrick - 7
Had a crucial role to play with Aimar roaming from deep. Stuggled to keep hold of him in the first half, but stamped his authority later in the match with some impressive interceptions

Park Ji-Sung - 6
Ferguson turned to the trusted South Korean on the European stage because of his discipline in tight matches like this. But could not provide the attacking invention United have enjoyed so far this season

Wayne Rooney - 6
A quiet night for the man of the moment, but he had a difficult role as United's lone front man against Benfica's imposing central defence - particularly Luisao


Substitutes
Phil Jones - 6
(for Fabio, 78) Champions League debut and the most impressive of United's subs

Nani - 5
(for Valencia, 69) The winger couldn't make any difference

Javier Hernandez - 5
(for Fletcher, 69) Brought on to try to steal the points, but fed off scraps