Here's how the players performed:

Manchester United

DAVID DE GEA: One good save from Edin Dzeko in first half but could do little about either goal. 7

RAFAEL: Kept occupied by Samir Nasri for most of the night but at least was the most attacking of the two full-backs. 6

RIO FERDINAND: Was at fault for the second goal after losing Dzeko at a corner. United needed greater organisation from their most experienced player. 5

PHIL JONES: Made one brilliantly-timed tackle to deny Silva in the second half but was unable to dominate Dzeko. 6

PATRICE EVRA: Allowed Dzeko to run past him unchallenged to score after 42 seconds. Was pinned back in his own half for long periods. 4

MICHAEL CARRICK: As the defensive anchor, his job was to keep track of Silva but never got close to containing the lively Spaniard. 5

TOM CLEVERLEY (replaced by Kagawa, 45): Primary role was to help shore up midfield from the off but seemed off the pace. 4

MAROUANE FELLAINI (replaced by Valencia, 66): Spent early part of first half chasing shadows before being pushed into a more advanced role but had little impact. Fortunate not to be sent off for elbow on Pablo Zabaleta. 4

JUAN MATA: Had United's best chance of the first half but fired over. Did not see enough of the ball to create much despite moving to a more central role. 6

DANNY WELBECK (replaced by Hernandez, 77): A willing runner and did look like he may cause City problems but faded as the game wore on, although he did bring a good reaction save out of Joe Hart in the second half. 7

WAYNE ROONEY: Started as the focal point of the attack but dropped into a deeper role in order to help out the midfield and try to influence the game. Plenty of commitment but not a lot of support around him. 7

Substitutes:

SHINJI KAGAWA (on for Cleverley, 45): Added a bit more creativity and fluidity in midfield but had few options to pick out ahead of him. 6

ANTONIO VALENCIA (on for Fellaini, 66): Sent on to rescue a lost cause and provide some much-needed width. 6

JAVIER HERNANDEZ (on for Welbeck, 77): Given little time to make an impact. 6

Manchester City

JOE HART: Made a couple of good saves in the second half but had a relatively quiet night. 7

PABLO ZABALETA: Rode a couple of heavy challenges early on and was clobbered by Fellaini's elbow but put in another performance of trademark consistency. 7

VINCENT KOMPANY: Early booking for foul on Welbeck and wavered for a brief period but was resolute and composed at the back. 7

MARTIN DEMICHELIS: City's supposed weak link was barely tested by United and enjoyed a relatively trouble-free evening. 6

GAEL CLICHY: Solid in defence, a willing ally in attack proving an additional option out wide. 7

YAYA TOURE: Ran the game from a deep-lying role. Was given plenty of time and space to roam forward but kept his marauding runs to a minimum in a more controlled performance. Late goal capped an intelligent display. 7

FERNANDINHO: Held the middle ground with Toure and denied United any chance of enjoying significant possession. Had a hand in the opening goal. 7

SAMIR NASRI (replaced by James Milner, 74): Gave United plenty to think about down their right side and played a major part in the hugely significant opening goal. 7

DAVID SILVA: Buzzed in between the lines to devastating effect. Demanded the ball at every opportunity and almost always received it. Highly influential. 8

JESUS NAVAS (replaced by Javi Garcia, 68): Not a major player but kept Evra tied down. 6

EDIN DZEKO (replaced by Alvaro Negredo, 79): Great striker's anticipation for the opening goal, good run and smart finish for the second. 7

Substitutes

JAMES MILNER (on for Nasri, 74): Sent on to add some solidity to midfield with the game won and did what was asked of him. 6

JAVI GARCIA (on for Navas, 68): Hardly a like-for-like replacement, but with the result in the bag was asked to give additional control. 6

ALVARO NEGREDO (on for Dzeko, 79): Introduced to give the deserving Dzeko a well-earned rest. 6