ZALUSKA (6) Nearly cost his side dear with a rash clearance kick early on.

Recovered from that lapse in concentration and kept a clean sheet.

LUSTIG (6) The right-back's fine delivery into the United box set up Victor Wanyama for his goal. Did well thereafter. Came off in the second half.

ROGNE (6) Not tested greatly. The defender performed his duties well on the rare occasions that he was called into action. Looked a serious threat at set-pieces.

MULGREW (6) Started at centre- half. Caught cold early on. Was lucky Gary Mackay-Steven's finishing was poor. Recovered well to enjoy a decent game.

IZAGUIRRE (7) Gave opposition right-back Keith Watson a torrid evening. Always looked dangerous on the break. Clearly enjoying a good spell of form.

WANYAMA (7) Impressive. Did well to lose marker Jon Daly and head home the second goal. Scarcely put a foot wrong all evening after that.

KAYAL (5) Quiet. Squandered two excellent scoring chances in the first half. Was replaced by captain Scott Brown on the hour mark.

LEDLEY (6) Distributed the ball intelligently. Prevented the Dundee United midfield from gaining control of the match.

HOOPER (9) Speculation about his future did not affect the striker. If anything, it appeared to motivate him. He was outstanding. Scored two and set up one. Unlucky not to bag a hat-trick.

NOUIOUI (7) Showed great composure and control to create the opening goal. The Tunisian's crosses into the opposition box were dangerous. Faded towards the end.

SAMARAS (8) Lively. Probed for an opening relentlessly for the full 90 minutes. Set up Gary Hooper for both of his goals.

SUBSTITUTES

BROWN (5) Came on for the last half hour. Made a definite difference to his side's play. Netted a beauty.

MATTHEWS (3) A late replacement for Lustig. Hardly involved.

STOKES (2) Returned from injury to make his first competitive appearance since August.