THE M.E.N's Chris Bailey gives his verdict on the City players.

JAMES: Can count himself unlucky with Reds' goal having made brilliant initial save from van Nistelrooy. Otherwise untroubled 6

MILLS: Many thought he might be axed but repaid Pearce's faith with bags of effort and commitment. Got forward well 6

DUNNE: Not overly troubled as Rooney spent much of his time on the floor. Partnership with Distin as good as ever 7

DISTIN: No signs of any rustiness from the Frenchman who had fine game at heart of a back four that coped well overall 7

THATCHER: Some thumping tackles earned him respect and a yellow card. Harder for him to get forward than Mills 7

SINCLAIR: Most of game spent nearer his own goal than United's and made one goal saving clearance after break 6

BARTON: No Keane with whom to lock horns but plenty busy enough and capped it all with second goal of season 7

REYNA: City's most stylish performer on the day. Classy midfielder always seemed to have more time than anyone else 8

MUSAMPA: No real threat as an attacking force and not really surprising that he was taken off in second half 5

COLE: No doubts where his loyalties now lie after his first challenge with Scholes. Only van der Sar prevented late fairytale 6

VASSELL: Little opportunity to find the net though his shot might have gone in had Barton not got late touch 5

SUBS:

Sibierski (for Musampa 73): Disciplined appearance from midfielder 6

Sun - (for Mills 73): Added extra pace at the back 6

Fowler (for Vassell 85m): No time to mark

Not used: Weaver and Onuoha

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