Newcastle v United - Player Ratings

Edwin van der Sar: One fine save from Damien Duff's shot but very shaky at dealing with crosses. 6

Wes Brown: Assured display, occasionally troubled by Duff. 6

Rio Ferdinand: No trouble with Owen. 7

Nemanja Vidic: Routine work: headed out Newcastle's crosses easily. 6

Patrice Evra: He wasn't at his best against Milner's pace. Unusually shaky at the back. 6

Cristiano Ronaldo: Brilliant. Great dribbling, wonderful cross to Rooney, confident finishing. Would have scored a hat-trick again had he not been substituted. 9

Michael Carrick: Tremendous passing. A commanding presence in midfield and his assist to Ronaldo was delightful. 8

Darren Fletcher: Solid work in midfield with little fuss and a fine assist to Ronaldo. 7

Luis Nani: Good crossing, his pace, trickery and mobility troubled Newcastle's leaky defence all afternoon. 7

Carlos Tevez: Rather subdued, displayed an unusually poor first touch. But at least defenders had to be alert every time when the ball came near him so he freed up space for others. 6

Wayne Rooney: Irresistible finish with the first goal, wonderful effort at the second. Great passing, lot of hard work, mobility, everything. 9

John O'Shea: Replaced Evra at half-time and dealt with the fading Milner confidently. 7

Louis Saha: Replaced Ronaldo. Missed a sitter then made amends by slotting home Rooney's pass coolly. He's got his pace back it seems. 7

Paul Scholes: Replaced Vidic. Should have scored with a header after a fine counter-attack that he played a big part in. 6