Liverpool 3 Manchester United 1
Here’s how we rated the players:
Liverpool
Alisson – 4
Alisson dropped a howler for Jesse Lingard’s goal when Liverpool were in complete control of the game. Otherwise, he wasn’t really tested.
Nathaniel Clyne – 5
Liverpool’s third-choice, or possibly fourth-choice, right-back looked off the pace. His passing was often loose and he offered little in the final third.
Dejan Lovren – 5.5
The Croatian defender failed to cut out Lukaku’s cross that led to United’s equaliser and only he can explain why he took a shot from 30-yards out in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
Largely untested as United retreated into their defensive shell.
Andrew Robertson – 7
A constant attacking threat down Liverpool’s left-hand side and given the freedom of the pitch in the second half.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6.5
Worked extremely hard and helped Liverpool keep control of the game.
Fabinho – 8
The Brazilian midfielder set up Mane’s goal with a wonderful chipped pass, taking out United’s defence in the process. Fabinho was probably the best player on the pitch in the first half, neat and tidy in possession, he was the base to spring most of Liverpool’s attacks and effectively ran the game against United’s ramshackle midfield. He also had a couple of efforts from distance on United’s goal.
Naby Keita – 5
He arguably failed to impose himself on the game and was the least effective of Liverpool’s three midfielders.
Mohamed Salah – 5.5
Salah played on the edge of the game and found space hard to come by against United’s deep defence.
Roberto Firmino – 7.5
The Brazilian was one of the best players on the pitch in the first half. He dropped deep into the space behind United’s midfield got several shots away. He also played a part in Liverpool’s opener with his pass to Fabinho.
Firmino caused United trouble throughout.
Sadio Mane – 7.5
Took his goal in the first half extremely well, chesting the ball down and finishing past De Gea in the first half. Mane worked tirelessly and was a constant threat against United’s rickety defence.
Substitutions
Xherdan Shaqiri – 8
The match-winner with two goals after coming off the bench.
Jordan Henderson – N/A
Not on long enough to rate
Manchester United
David de Gea – 6
He made a couple of smart saves and could do little about Liverpool’s goals.
Victor Lindelof – 6.5
After a shaky start, Lindelof grew into the game making several timely interceptions, blocks and clearances.
Eric Bailly – 7
Bailly was arguably United’s best player, he did his best to keep a dominant Liverpool attack at bay for most of the game.
Matteo Darmian – 5
It wouldn’t be a surprise if this is his last game for United. He’s just not of the level required to play for such a big club.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Hardly involved and taken off at half-time for Fellaini.
Ashley Young – 6
The United captain fell asleep for Mane’s goal, switching off as the Liverpool forward ghosted into the penalty area before finishing past De Gea. Otherwise, he defended well and put his body on the line several times.
Ander Herrera – 5
Like his midfield partner, Herrera struggled in the game. His passing wasn’t accurate and he couldn’t get near Liverpool’s midfield, particularly in the first half. He linked up with Lingard for the United goal, but was caught out for Shaqiri’s first strike.
Nemanja Matic – 4
He was once considered the leading defensive midfielder in the Premier League, but Matic now appears to be in decline.
The Serbian struggled badly with the pace of the game. He failed to protect the space in front of United’s defence and often left his teammates exposed as he attempted to put pressure on Liverpool, but rarely got near them. He completed just over half his passes in the first half. Only Mourinho knows how why Matic is still a guaranteed starter.
Jesse Lingard – 5.5
While it was Alisson’s howler that directly led to the goal, Lingard deserves a lot of credit for the United equaliser. He started the move, linking up with Herrera and Rashford, and carried his run into the box to capitalise on the error. However, in the second half when he switched to United’s right-hand side, he offered very little defensive cover.
Romelu Lukaku – 4
Completely isolated, the Belgian striker had no impact on the match other than when his cross was dropped by Alisson into Lingard’s path.
Marcus Rashford – 5
He worked really hard, offering defensive cover down United’s left-hand side. But he didn’t get the chance to showcase his talent in the final third.
Substitutions
Marouane Fellaini – 5
He added a bit more steel to the United midfield but had little impact on the match.
Juan Mata and Anthony Martial – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
