Full player ratings: Liverpool’s multi-purpose marvel forces Man Utd midfielder into 3/10 display

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Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League thanks to a 3-1 win over Manchester United.

The Reds took the lead midway through the first half as Sadio Mane finished from close range following a good pass from Fabinho.

But United equalised shortly after as Alisson spilled a cross into the feet of Jesse Lingard.

Liverpool restored their lead with less than 20 minutes to go as Xherdan Shaqiri fired in with a powerful effort from inside the box and the Swiss got his second of the game to put the Reds out of reach.

Here’s how the players rated as the Reds’ unbeaten start goes on.

Liverpool

Alisson – 4 – The usually dependable Brazilian had a moment to forget in the first half, spilling Lukaku’s cross into the box, gifting United an equaliser. Fortunately for Alisson it was not costly as his outfield team-mates outplayed their opponents.

Nathaniel Clyne – 8 – Called in to deal with Liverpool’s defensive problems, Clyne did well in the first half and looked strong in both defence and attack. Continued to do well after half-time, showing Liverpool will not miss Trent Alexander-Arnold or Joe Gomez.

Dejan Lovren – 7 – Had started a good partnership with Van Dijk to keep United at bay, but perhaps could have done better for Lingard’s goal by stopping by Lukaku’s cross. Had an otherwise good defensive display – though did waste a few shots on goal.

Virgil van Dijk – 8 – Dominated Lukaku in the first half, forcing the Belgian to move out wide at times for success. Did much of the same in the second half, though had little to worry about defensively.

Andrew Robertson – 6 – Tried to cause problems with his good delivery but from set pieces he was poor. Relatively untroubled defensively, and did improve after half-time.

Fabinho – 9 – The summer signing is continuing to grow as a player at Liverpool and had another good game against United. Calm both on and off the ball, Fabinho produced an inch-perfect chipped pass midway through the first to set up Mane’s goal. He continued this after the break, having the game of his life to help Liverpool beat their bitter rivals.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 7 – Helped Liverpool control the early midfield battle, overpowering their United counterparts. And was solid in the second half to keep his side from crumbling, vital for Liverpool’s win.

Naby Keita – 6 – Had a positive start in midfield but his influence did wane as the game went on. Was taken off with 20 minutes to go as Klopp looked to a more attacking formation.

Mohamed Salah – 6 – The Egyptian had a fairly quiet game, threatening to hurt United’s makeshift backline, albeit without end product.

Roberto Firmino – 7 – Dropping deeper as he does so often now, Firmino was constantly trying to beat David de Gea. However, just three of his nine shots hit the target. Worked tirelessly to get the win.

Sadio Mane – 7 – Looked threatening and opened the scoring in the first half with a good run and finish, finding a gap in the United defence. He continued to cause problems for the defenders, getting a cross in for Shaqiri’s first goal.

Substitutes:

Xherdan Shaqiri (for Keita 70) – 8 – Brought on as Klopp tried to change formation and made an instant impact, beating De Gea via a deflection off Young. Less than 10 minutes later, Shaqiri got his second of the game finishing United off.

Jordan Henderson (for Mane 84) – N/A – A late sub.

Manchester United

David de Gea – 6 – Despite Liverpool’s dominance, De Gea did not have too much to do, though did get down well to save to stop Firmino’s early shot. Could do nothing to prevent Mane scoring with his defence beaten.

Matteo Darmian – 5 – The slightly more composed of United’s centre-back trio in the first half, Darmian was reverted to his usual right-back after half-time but that was when he became stretched and had problems.

Eric Bailly – 5 – A late addition into the starting XI with Chris Smalling picking up an injury in the warm up, Bailly looked uncomfortable alongside his defensive team-mates at times.

Victor Lindelof – 4 – The Swedish international did not have the best first half, struggling to deal with Liverpool’s high-intensity attack. Was caught in possession deep inside his own half but was fortunate to see it not result in a goal.

Diogo Dalot – 5 – In a more advanced role, Dalot tried to get forward to hurt Robertson but did not manage to do so. Taken off at half-time.

Ander Herrera – 4 – Usually Mr. Reliable for Mourinho in games like this, Herrera was poor in the first half, losing the midfield battle. The Spaniard did improve after the break as Fellaini’s introduction brought a more sturdy trio, but he was beaten far too easily by Mane in the build up to Shaqiri’s goal.

Nemanja Matic – 3 – The Serbian had another poor game for United, looking helplessly overrun in midfield.

Marcus Rashford – 5 – Was United’s best attacking outlet in the opening stages but quietened down as Liverpool’s dominance grew in the first half. Came out stronger after the break

Jesse Lingard – 6 – Had been largely anonymous in the first half, playing through the middle, but was on hand to equalise for United, capitalising on Alisson’s error. However, he did not improve much after the break as Liverpool grew in possession once more.

Ashley Young – 4 – Defensively, the Englishman was poor and fingers will be pointed at him for Mane’s goal as he allowed the Liverpool forward to run across him without pressure. Young could have also done better for Shaqiri’s goal, giving the substitute no challenge for the ball inside the box.

Romelu Lukaku – 5 – Struggled against Van Dijk in the first half but did manage to get the better of Lovren, sending a cross in for Lingard’s goal – though that was more fortune than Lukaku’s doing.

Substitutes:

Marouane Fellaini (for Dalot 45) – 5 – The Belgian had a good start to the second half, keeping Liverpool at bay but was ineffective when pushed further up in search for a goal.

Anthony Martial (for Herrera 79) – 5 – Had very little luck in helping United back into the game.

Juan Mata (for Lingard 85) – N/A – A late sub.

The post Liverpool 3-1 Man Utd: Every player rated as Fabinho’s midfield masterclass embarrasses Matic and co. appeared first on Squawka News.



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