We rate the players in the clash between Manchester United and Blackpool which United won 4-2 to send their opponents into the Championship.

It was so near, yet so far for Ian Holloway's brave men as they fought splendidly against the champions and even led 2-1 for six minutes in the second half.

Ultimately though, United's quality proved to be too much - sending the Tangerines back down into the Championship. Our thanks to the Seasiders for providing some of the best moments this season and we hope they'll be back soon.

Manchester United

Edwin van der Sar - 6.5

Came out bravely a couple of times to deny Blackpool and showed glimpses of the quality that will be missed next season at Old Trafford. Adios VDS.

Jonathan Evans - 6

Was steady without being spectacular. Vidic did a lot of the defensive work and Evans was on hand to mop things up.

Nemanja Vidic (off 84') - 7.5

Another rip-roaring performance by the Serb. He has undoubtedly been United's player of the season and the one who most deserved to lift that Premier League trophy.

Patrice Evra - 6

Was strangely quiet on the left - but did a good job defensively.

Rafael da Silva (off 45') - 5

Didn't really have too much impact on the game except one snap-shot that warmed Matt Gilks' hands. Taken off due to injury in the interval.

Paul Scholes - 6.5

Broke up the Tangerines' free-flowing play frequently, although couldn't get into shooting positions as often as he would have liked.

Anderson - 8.5

Had an average first-half, but came to life in the second - firstly with the equaliser and then with some great passing that allowed United to storm back into the game.

Darren Fletcher - 7

Showed flashes of brilliance - especially before the interval when he seemingly had the ball on a string. Faded away somewhat later but the slack was picked up by Anderson.

Nani - 5

Stephen Crainey didn't allow the tricky winger too much space to work his magic and Nani was peripheral for most of the game.

Park Ji-Sung (off 63') - 7

Was his typical lung-busting self in the centre and nipped in to get the opener for his side.

Dimitar Berbatov - 3

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Bulgarian - who was denied by poor finishing, bad luck, great defending and superb goalkeeping. Try as they might, his teammates just could not help him to that elusive goal.

Subs

Chris Smalling (on 45') - 7.5

Showed a different side to his game, bombing down the right and not looking too bad while doing it! Doesn't have the close control required to flourish in the penalty area though.

Michael Owen (on 63') - 7.5

Looked lively as soon as he came on - and his goal was reminiscent of the Michael Owen of yore. Superb run capped by a precise finish.

Wayne Rooney (on 84') - n.a

Blackpool

Matthew Gilks - 5

Didn't concede a howler - which is probably what Ian Holloway would have been desperately hoping for. Was let down by some really poor defending.

Ian Evatt - 1

It was a cruel, cruel day for the centre-back. Slipped at the crucial moment to allow Park in for United's first goal, looked unsteady against the slippery Dimitar Berbatov and capped his nightmare by scoring an own goal that condemned Blackpool.

Alex Baptiste - 8

While his partner was having a horrific time, Baptiste was playing a heroic role in trying to keep his side away from the relegation trapdoor. Some fearless tackling ensured United were kept at bay for at least some part of the game.

Stephen Crainey - 7

Gave good support to the men up front and stuck close to Nani for most of the game. Good effort.

Neil Eardley - 4

Played too narrow, allowing United to dominate the flank from where they pumped in numerous crosses. Gave his side good width going forward but looked reluctant to venture to far up front.

David Vaughan - 8

Blackpool's most underrated player put in yet another excellent shift - harrying the United midfield, winning possession and allowing the Tangerines to maraud forward. Played a key role in the second goal.

Charlie Adam - 9

Simply sensational. He put on a show for Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford - his stinging crosses looking most likely to haul Blackpool to safety. Got his side back on level terms with a stunning free-kick and continued his good work in the second-half. Bigger clubs are sure to come knocking in the summer.

Keith Southern (off 87') - 3

Missed a sitter early on and continued to look overawed by the occasion throughout the game.

Jason Puncheon (off 76') - 6

Showed good pace down the right, running at defenders and trying to create openings for his side.

Gary Taylore-Fletcher (off 76') - 7.5

Worked incredibly hard up front - especially with DJ Campbell being off-colour. His goal to put Blackpool in front was a cheekily taken back-heel and showed why most neutrals wanted Ian Holloway's men to stay in the Premier League.

DJ Campbell - 4

Couldn't step up to the plate on the most crucial day in his side's history. Lost control of the ball too many times when things looked promising for Blackpool.

Subs

Luke Varney (on 76') - n.a

Matthew Phillips (on 76') - n.a

Brett Ormerod (on 87') - n.a