VIEW: United vs Sunderland. 2-0

Good.

Giggs. Great to see him back to what you'd assume is full-fitness. And if what we saw against Sunderland wasn't full-fitness, then we're certainly in for a treat when he does return to form. His running and vision caused the Sunderland defence  problems from kick-off, and was rewarded with an assist-assist (made-up term © the Cockney Red) as early on as the fifth minute. He was untouchable as his blistering run - a term not commonly associated with a 37 year old - opened up their defence, until he eventually played in Rooney who's pinpoint cross met Berbs' head rather perfectly. An awesome move of old that thoroughly deserved the goal at the end of it.

Anderson. Although Berbatov will instantly take the plaudits for his goals (seven in two starts) as well as dramatically over-shadowing England's former darling in our attack, for me and many United fans, Anderson has been our best and most consistent performer in recent games. Again on Boxing Day he controlled our midfield and just as he did against Arsenal a couple of weeks ago, he combined brilliantly with his partner in the centre, Carrick. His passing was at times divine - Veron-esque of old, I'd say - and he even put away a cheeky shot from distance that smashed the bar. In summary: the passing and vision we almost expect of him, as it's down to his raw talent; but the hounding of the ball and enhanced shooting ability are down to his growing ambition and confidence. As long as that continues to grow, his talent will naturally develop with it until he is the finished article we all hoped he would be.

Defence. A fairly mild test for the back four, but another clean-sheet - this time against the side that put three past Cech and chums - deserves a mention in the prestigious 'Good' and 'Bad' match report.

Bad.

Weakened resources. The Anderson and Vidic man-flu scares thankfully passed as simply that, but we were without Fletcher and Nani - our best player this season - and Park now looks like he'll be out for a couple of weeks too. Giggs' return was timely, however I didn't expect we'd lose a winger in the process! No Valencia, Park and potentially still no Nani for the trip to Birmingham tomorrow. With only one first-team winger and a revived Anderson available, our midfield is in danger of resembling the shambles that was the Arsenal midfield when they arrived at Old Trafford. Rosicky, Nasri...and....erm....that little boy who is becoming a trendy name to drop in to 'ones to watch in 2011' conversations even though he was beaten to an award by someone who's played only nine times this season and scored 11 out of 40 games for Inter last season?

Rooney. Brilliant in the first half, highlighted by his assist for Berbatov's opener as well as his sumptuous chipped chance that went narrowly wide, however he was lost in the second. Thankfully we have Berbatov taking the piss in Rooney's 'absence', but Wayne really does need to wake the f*ck up now and provide us with the goals we are paying for. Seriously.