Rangers inevitably found the going tough against the Premier League leaders. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-0 defeat at Loftus Road.
Julio Cesar: 6
Had no chance for United’s first goal and was left exposed for the second. Produced a couple of good first-half saves.
Jose Bosingwa: 6
Did okay on his return. Was never that bad in the first place. Willing to do a job, just unwilling to put himself out to do so. Gave the ball away needlessly on a couple of occasions – and opted not to put himself out in the build-up to United’s second goal.
Chris Samba: 6
Strong in the air in both boxes. Distribution was poor at times though.
Clint Hill: 6
Inevitably had a tough time against Van Persie and co but gave his all.
Armand Traore: 6
Had a horrendous first half in which Rafael ran riot on the right-hand side, but Traore was offered no cover whatsoever by his team-mates and was always fighting a losing battle. He did as well as could be expected.
Andros Townsend: 7
Had a go before being substituted in the second half. Quick, direct and prepared to have a pop at goal.
Esteban Granero: 5
Completely lost before being replaced at half-time because he had picked up a knock.
Stephane Mbia: 5
A capable centre-back or sitting midfielder who cannot and must not play in a flat midfield four in the Premier League. Not cut out for that role at all and was totally out of his depth.
Adel Taarabt: 5
His awareness and defensive work has improved immeasurably but tracking the outstanding Rafael was a bridge too far and not something he ought to be expected to do. Left Traore even more exposed by frequently drifting inside, but Taarabt was a sitting duck on the flank and never likely to create anything there.
Jamie Mackie: 5
Mackie is most effective when he compliments other attacking threats by being a pest who will eventually force a mistake from an already stressed defence. When a defence is generally having an easy time his non-stop pestering makes him look extremely limited rather than a threat.
Bobby Zamora: 6
Offered a physical presence up front but not too much for United to worry about.
Jermaine Jenas: 6
Brought on for the second half as was sloppy at times but also produced a couple of excellent tackles.
Loic Remy: 6
Bright after coming on, cutting in from the left and having a shot saved. Unable to trouble United after that though.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
This post was last modified on 24/02/2013