Ayew

André Ayew, Jordan's older brother and one of the few consistent Marseille performers this season, dazzled on the wing; Lucho González, the Argentinian playmaker who shone last season but has struggled this term, began to find his passing range; and Deschamps's tactical rejigging in response to recent poor form worked.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011

The Tunisia defender Aymen Abdennour was sent off late on for an elbow on Ayew in a bad-tempered finish.

Ghana reach semi-finals as goalkeeping error puts paid to Tunisia 2012

With Loïc Rémy and André Ayew lively down the flanks for the visitors, United gave the French team too much room out wide to supply balls into the box from dangerous positions see diagram.

Manchester United vulnerable without Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand 2011

Ayew's redemption came amid a collective show of defiance from Marseille that will have alarmed at least one Scottish spectator in the Stade de la Route de Lorient – Sir Alex Ferguson, whose side must beat the French champions at Old Trafford on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011

He had wasted a glaring chance earlier in the game, as he has done on several occasions this season during his intermittent appearances from the bench, so he was thankful he had been able to atone and play an important part in a victory that keeps alive Marseille's hopes of retaining the title they won last season for the first time since Ayew's father, Abedi Pelé, was one of the team's stars.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011

In a one-sided second half, Benoît Cheyrou and Loîc Rémy each scored twice, Ayew also grabbed his second and Alou Diarra was on target as the Coupe de France holders completed their rout.

Asamoah Gyan on target as Sunderland beat Hartlepool 2011

Andre Ayew scored twice but missed a penalty as Marseille recorded a 2-0 win over AC Ajaccio – only their second league win of a difficult campaign.

Ligue 1 round-up: Montpellier defeat Caen to go level at the top 2011

Loïc Rémy and André Ayew are dangerous forwards, while Rod Fanni and Stéphane Mbia are reliable defenders.

The Champions League groups in full 2011

Wearing the captain's armband while Van Persie started the evening on the substitutes' bench, Vermaelen did his best to radiate his usual sense of calmness and security in the face of regular assaults mounted by Jordan and André Ayew, Loïc Remy, Mathieu Valbuena and the substitute Morgan Amalfitano on the right wing.

Thomas Vermaelen stands tall in making case for Arsenal's defence | Richard Williams 2011

In the 79th minute of Marseille's match at Rennes on Friday, the visiting team's 19-year-old forward, Jordan Ayew, broke down in tears.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011