Player Ratings: Manchester United vs Liverpool
@squawka
Manchester United extended their winning streak to six games by claiming an emphatic 3-0 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata gave United a 2-0 lead heading into the break before Robin Van Persie wrapped up the three points with a cool finish into an open net. The win moves United within five points of Manchester City with Chelsea eight points ahead at the top of the table.
Despite a shaky start, United kept their nerves and converted the chances they created. Louis Van Gaal praised his team for converting more chances and scoring beautiful goals but its as side that could still do with improvement.
The Red Devils were missing Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Rafael so with Juan Mata, Phil Jones and James Wilson all given a chance, we give our player ratings from today’s brilliant result.
David De Gea (9/10)
The most important player for the Red Devils this season. The Spaniard made an array of saves that kept Liverpool at bay.
De Gea made a number of one-on-one saves when Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli were put through on goal. He was also named the Barclays Man of the Match and with the 24 year-old continuing to be watched by Real Madrid, the club will want to sort out a new contract soon.
Antonio Valencia (8/10)
The Ecuadorian enjoyed today’s fixture and you could say it was his best performance of the season. Defensively he kept on winning balls and kept Adam Lallana quiet. His main contribution came in the final third when he grabbed an assist for Rooney’s strike and he could keep Rafael out the side.
Phil Jones (7/10)
Jones returned to the action after a lengthy spell on sidelines and impressed.
He was rusty at times but did his job well of keeping Sterling quiet. The Liverpool winger got in behind a few times but De Gea was to the rescue. The 22 year-old will now hope to get a run of games under his belt before the new year with United facing a tough schedule.
Michael Carrick (8/10)
Another calm and composed performance for the Englishmen. The midfielder started in the heart of the defence and made some vital interceptions. His distribution from the back for the attacking players was incisive and you could say alongside De Gea, is United’s best player.
His passing accuracy is over 90% this season.
Jonny Evans (6/10)
The Irishmen started for the first time in over a month and the longer the game went on the more his confidence grew. Except for a poor back pass in second half, his distribution with the ball was good. Overall a decent performance by Evans and one that could see him remain in the side even when Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo return.
Ashley Young (7/10)
Assured and once again proved that he can handle the pressure of playing against top opposition in his unusual role. He was an outlet on the flank throughout the first half with one of his crosses leading to the second goal. Young continues to prove his worth with simple and effective performances and that is encouraging with Luke Shaw still out a few weeks.
Maraoune Fellaini (7/10)
The 27 year-old struggled to dominate in midfield and he earned a yellow card for a silly challenge on Adam Lallana. As the game wore on he stamped down his authority in the midfield winning aerial duels against Gerrard and Allen. He shielded the defence very well and once again proved that physicality makes him worthy of a place in starting eleven every week.
Wayne Rooney ( 8/10)
The captain led from the front by contributing in every aspect of the play. Rooney started in a deeper midfield role along with Fellaini and helped the side find some rhythm in a difficult opening 20 minutes. His late run into the box saw him finish sublimely from 18 yards and the 29 year-old never looked back.
Rooney could have added to his tally when he had his left footed shot saved by Brad Jones but all in all, another captains display.
Juan Mata (8/10)
The Spaniard made some neat touches and tidy passes and that paid off with his goal and assist. He kept the ball well and justified his place in the starting eleven. He showed great determination to head in Van Persie’s flick before his clever pass found the Dutchmen in the box – which he converted in the second half.
Mata had been criticised for not performing in big games but he finally proved why the Red Devils paid £37million for his services.
Robin Van Persie (8/10)
Van Persie continued his scoring form by netting his fourth goal in four games. He could have made it a double when his thunderous volley was saved by Jones in the second half but overall his performance was top drawer.
Throughout the afternoon Van Persie troubled the defenders with his tidy runs and his link up play was also commendable. Finally the dutch striker is now hitting some perform and with that is coming hard work which saw him win back the ball in vital areas.
The Dutch international is enjoying his football and its good to see him playing with a smile on his face.
James Wilson (5/10)
The youngster started ahead of Radamel Falcao and that could be a bad sign for the Colombian. Wilson struggled to get into the game but his work ethic ensured he was worthy of a place in the side.
Louis van Gaal seems like a fan of the teenager and he will be given more chances with United picking up another three points where he was involved.
Substitutes:
Ander Herrera (7/10)
The Spaniard came on in the second half and brought much needed energy in the midfield. His link up play with Mata was a joy to watch and the 25 year-old will be involved heavily in the Christmas period coming up.
Radamel Falcao (N/A)
He hardly influenced the game as he replaced Rooney late in the second half. His movement was eye-catching and if he begins to get more game time the 28 year-0ld could bring his European form over to England. which would mean goals, goals, goals.
Paddy McNair (N/A)
The youngster was introduced late on and ensured United kept a clean sheet.