4. The Defensive Performance
De Gea/Evra/Vidic/Ferdinand/Rafael it isnt very often that we see this back five lining up alongside each other but on Tuesday, Uniteds defence was the strongest it had been all season. It wasnt just about heading the ball clear and last ditch tackles, the defence made themselves an impenetrable wall high up the pitch. Interceptions, tackles, blocks and intelligent positioning forced Madrid wide and any balls that came into the box were easily dealt with. Whenever De Gea was called upon, he was there to clean up. Rafael was once again phenomenal. Vidic and Ferdinand re-kindled their partnership of old and Evra has re-found his form this season. It was a defensive performance that deserved a win, but Nanis red card made it impossible for them. Even with 10, it was only a long range effort that broke the deadlock because Madrid werent having any luck finding gaps in the defence.