Player Ratings as Manchester United succumb to a 2-4 loss to Liverpool
Manchester United made a bright start against Liverpool with Edinson Cavani coming close, before Bruno Fernandes put us ahead just ten minutes in via a massive deflection off of Nathaniel Phillips.
It all unraveled from that point on though as the team drifted, allowing Liverpool to get back into the game.
After having a penalty overturned rightly, the Reds did hit back through Diogo Jota’s clever flick before Roberto Firmino made it 2-1 in favour of the visitors on the cusp of half-time. The Brazilian then doubled Liverpool’s advantage early after the break to put his team in cruise control.
Manchester United showed some fight thereafter and Marcus Rashford managed to pull a goal back. However, as we threw men forward in search of an equaliser, Liverpool made the most of a counter-attacking opportunity with Mohamed Salah netting in the 90th minute to kill the tie off.
It was a scratchy display after a bright start, playing sloppy passes, not showing enough control, which allowed Liverpool to grow after being on the backfoot. Here are the player ratings for Manchester United stars after a poor defeat to Liverpool.
Manchester United Player Ratings vs Liverpool
Dean Henderson (5/10)
Back in the lineup, the Englishman made a couple of good saves to stop Jota in the first half but couldn’t do anything about Liverpool’s first two goals. At fault for the third goal the Reds’ scored and perhaps could have tried to step out and make himself big for the fourth.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6.5/10)
One of Manchester United’s better performers on the night, looked so much positive and purposeful while attacking. Good pass into Bruno Fernandes for the opener and kept at it all game.
Eric Bailly (3/10)
The only player retained from the game against Leicester, the Ivorian was all over the place on Thursday. Sloppy in possession, nervy and rash at the back. Had a penalty decision against him overturned in the first half.
Victor Lindelof (4/10)
Not good enough when he needed to step up in Harry Maguire’s absence. Never looked comfortable against the speed of the visitors’ attack and was one among the many at fault for the third.
Luke Shaw (3/10)
Gave away the ball leading to an early chance, not good enough going forward in the first half. Guilty for the third goal as he tried to carelessly dribble out of a dangerous area. Did improve on the attacking side after that but the damage was done.
Scott McTominay (4/10)
Looked up for the game and was aggressive in his off-the-ball work. However, the lack of quality when he was on the ball was damaging to United’s prospects as he gave away the ball constantly.
Fred (4/10)
Had a few positive moments when he drove forward in the first half but was easily bypassed by the Reds’ midfielders and like McTominay, lacked composure on the bal.
Marcus Rashford (5/10)
Ineffective for the most part until a late flurry towards the end. Hardly involved in anything of note in the first half. Scuffed effort found the back of the net to make it 2-3. Another good run late on caused problems. Looking well below his best.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10)
Opened the scoring early on via a huge deflection. Tried hard to carve out openings but the lack of quality support at the top rendered him ineffective. Visibly frustrated as the game wore on.
Paul Pobga (5/10)
Lost Firmino easily for the second goal when he needed to be stronger. Gave away the ball quite easily quite often, while not offering anything defensively to thwart Trent Alexander-Arnold. Did improve once he moved into midfield but not good enough.
Edinson Cavani (5/10)
Should have found the back of the net after forcing an error from Alisson at 0-0. Drifted in and out of the game, did well to create the goal for Rashford.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Manchester United target Jadon Sancho pushing for a summer exit
- Andreas Pereira willing to leave Manchester United in the upcoming summer
- Manchester United keen on bringing in Kieran Trippier or Max Aarons to compete with Aaron Wan-Bissaka
SUBSTITUTES
Mason Greenwood (6/10)
Replaced Fred in the 68th minute, livened things up in attack. Unlucky not to score as twice denied by huge blocks in quick succession.
Nemanja Matic (NA)
On for Bailly in the 86th minute. Gave away the ball for the fourth goal.
