A thrilling night of football between Man Utd and AC Milan saw the Premiership leaders staging a second half comeback to win 3-2 at Old Trafford last night. Wayne Rooney’s brilliant strike in stoppage time may have given his side a slight advantage going into the return leg but Kaka’s two away goals may prove vital when these two sides meet for a place in the final next week. Footballocks gives the lowdown on the performance of both sides.

Manchester United

Van der Sar : Was caught out by Kaka’s daisy cutter for Milan’s first but could do nothing about the second when Kaka danced his way past Man Utd makeshift defence for his second of the night. Had fairly nothing to do in the second half besides a routine save from Pirlo’s free kick. Rating: Five (out of ten)

O’Shea : Man Utd’s utility man was deployed at the right side of defense and did well to contain the threat of Seedorf from the left. Rating: Six

Brown: Kept Gilardino quiet for long periods of the game but failed to handle the majestic Kaka when he attacked from deep. Rating: Five

Heinze: The all action defender was a vital cog in Man Utd makeshift defense and had a hand in his side’s first
goal when he pressured Milan keeper Dida into boo-boo but wouldn’t be looking back at Milan’s second when Kaka left him for dead to stroke home. Rating: Six

Evra : Make himself available for selection but looked short of match fitness with a needless foul to get himself
booked and suspended for the return leg. Rating: Six

Ronaldo: Provided an attacking outlet on the left with his raw pace and opened the scoring after heading in from a corner for his side’s first with a little help from Dida. Rating: Seven

Carrick: Didin’t reach the perfomance levels of the 7-1 massacre of Roma, missed a glorious chance in the second half and was mediocre to say the least. Rating: Five

Fletcher: Followed up his impressive performance against Roma where he showed tremendous energy levels to harrass the Milan midfield into submission and forced Dida into a fine safe late in the game. Rating: Seven

Scholes : Supported Wayne Rooney well in attack and was at his best when he help set up his side equaliser with a brilliant flick chip to leave the Milan defense flat footed. Lucky to escape a suspension with his well documented tackling skills. Rating: Seven

Giggs : Man Utd’s captain of the day set up his sides winner with typical finesse from the interception right up to the through pass for Rooney wonderful finish to cap a good night’s work for the Welsh Wizard. Rating: Seven

Rooney: Led the line on his own with typical robustness and never say die attitude, “Craka” efforts were well rewarded with two goals including the winner which says everything about the player. Rating: Nine

AC Milan

Dida : Was at fault for the first goal after dropping a clanger for United’s first but made some timely saves before Rooney’s double strike ended his day on a sour note.
Rating: Five

Oddo: Did well against the likes of Giggs and Ronaldo. A steady performance from the ex-Lazio skipper.Rating: Six

Nesta: Was his usual reliable self to deny Rooney in the first half and a timely tackle to twart Ronaldo into the avertising boards in the second but couldn’t do anything when Rooney lashed home the winner.Rating: Seven

Maldini: The evergreen defender was consistent as ever but was unfortunate to be replaced after suffering an ijury in the first half.Rating: Six

Jankulovski : Manage to provide some attacking width on the left but was needed more at defense in the second half when Man Utd up the ante.Rating:Six

Gattuso: His side crumbled after he left with an injury to his sole pretty much sums up Rino’s presence and contribution to the side that lacks determination and direction without the hard as nails midfielder. Milan will be deperately hoping he will be fit for the return leg.Rating:Seven

Pirlo: A sub standard performance from the midfielder with his most notable contribution was a free kick that Van Der Sar dealt with considerably.Rating:Six

Ambrosini: Solid defensive performance from the midfielder but should had taken more responsibilty in midfield after Gattuso’s injury.Rating: Six

Kaká : Outshone Ronaldo with two well taken away goals which may prove decisive in the return leg at the San Siro. Rating: Eight

Seedorf :Provided another attacking option for his side besides Kaka and was credited with an assist for his side’s first goal in a highly polished performance from the Dutch veteran.Rating:Seven

Gilardino : Dissapointing outing for the forward who doesn’t look cut out for a team of Milan’s stature.Rating:Four