Antonio Valencia (7) The winger twice hit the woodwork and was unlucky not to score either side of half time, heading point-blank against the bar in the first period and seeing David Marshall palm a close-ranged shot onto the post. Looked a constant threat. Phil Jones (6) His passing is dubious and definitely needs work but he was tough in the middle of the park alongside Ryan Giggs, though it's the latter who did most of the work here. Ryan Giggs (7) What Jones lacked in passing ability Giggs made up for and the veteran is still pulling the strings. Proved he still has the capabilities to impose himself in a game and make an impact. Replaced by Tom Cleverley. Ashley Young (8) Provided the assist for Robin van Persie's opener and netted the second with a terrifically-taken long-ranged drive that ended Cardiff's resilience on the hour mark. A match-winning goal and just as the visitors looked like scoring. Juan Mata (8) Juan Mata made more passes than any other United player on his debut, with a completion rate of 86.5%. And that's why he's their club record-buy. Subbed off to a standing ovation and made way for Adnan Januzaj. Robin van Persie (8) United have badly missed the Dutchman who hadn't played all year until now. Scored on his return after just 6 minutes and will have a huge part to play in helping his side finish in the top four. Replaced by Wayne Rooney late on.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
