FRIEDEL: Kept United at bay almost single-handed in the second half with a string of world class saves.
9
LUCAS
NEILL: Didn't look comfortable against Ronaldo and struggled to cut out crosses.
6
DOMINIC
MATTEO: Yet another new position for the versatile defender and he did a decent job at left-back.
7
LORENZO
AMORUSO: Unlucky to get sent off. The first was harsh to say the least.
7
CRAIG
SHORT: Relished his physical battle with Alan Smith but Louis Saha's pace caused him problems.
7
TUGAY: Worked his socks off but occasionally guilty of conceding possession too easily.
6
BARRY
FERGUSON: Didn't waste a pass in the first half but he was left fighting fires after the sending off.
8
DAVID
THOMPSON: Your heart goes out to the former Liverpool star.
6
MORTEN GAMST
PEDERSEN: A difficult game for his debut - could have been the match-winner.
for Rovers had he converted a golden second half chance.
6
JONATHAN
STEAD: Probably his best performance of the season so far.
7
PAUL
DICKOV: A stunning first half strike that shook up United.
8
SUBS: BRETT EMERTON (for Thompson, 17) Caused plenty of problems with his pace. 8
DWIGHT YORKE (for Stead, 64) Might have worked harder. 5
NISSA JOHANSSON (for Dickov, 72) Thrust in at the deep end. 6
NOT USED: DE PEDRO, ENCKELMAN
HERO:
Brad Friedel showed just why he's one of the best keepers in the world
with a host of exceptional saves to deny United
VILLAIN:
Was the fourth official cajoled into awarding more injury time than was necessary?
VERDICT:
Rovers came within 10 seconds of beating United at Ewood for a third successive season until Alan Smith's controversial late leveller
knocked the home fans sick
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