Manchester United 3-1 Liverpool – Player Ratings
By Kyle Hull
Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon was a major step in the right direction for the club.
The team not only held the majority of possession, but also had the final touches on the ball to find the back of the net and produce the goals they have been looking so desperately for.
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The first half was rather dreadful. The team showed energy in the early minutes and were getting the ball towards the net, but there was no clear finisher and they looked unorganized. The second half was a completely different game. Good movement and pace, good opportunities and strong finishes. I think this was the most complete performance of the year so far.
David De Gea – 8
His first match back since he was benched due to the drama around the Real Madrid transfer and he picked up right where he left off last year. Made some spectacular saves to keep the team in the lead. A few poor decisions and could do nothing about Benteke’s wonder goal. A fine performance.
Matteo Darmian – 8
Yet again, the Italian was excellent on the right side. He passed very well and moved forward offensively easily. He links up very well with Mata and is good at ensuring that opposing attackers don’t get close to our goalkeeper. So far, he seems to be United’s best signing.
Chris Smalling – 7
Another strong performance from Smalling, who is showing that he is the club’s best centre-back. He didn’t let the Liverpool forwards work past him and passed the ball exceptionally well, achieving a 100% pass success rate. Another strong performance.
Daley Blind – 9
He may not be a centre-half by trade but he certainly does not show it. The versatile Dutchman was a wall in defence, rarely letting anything get by him throughout the match. As if that was not enough, he strolled into the box unguarded to score United’s first goal from an Ashley Young free kick.
Luke Shaw – 7
A strong showing again. He looked rough in the first 20 minutes, getting caught out of place and being easily moved around. He fought back well in the match and played the ball strongly in to dangerous areas. He looked like he had a good connection with Young in the second half and helped take care defensively too.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 7
He really looked like the heartbeat of the team today. The German controlled the middle of the pitch and moved forward well. While he had a few errant passes going forward, nothing that really hurt the team and looked strong at the end of the match defensively as the team had to hold off Liverpool.
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Michael Carrick – 6
The England man started after withdrawing from England duty with a calf injury and was captain in the absence of Wayne Rooney. Not a huge presence or difference maker and made some poor decisions in the first half but looked more confident as the match moved on.
Juan Mata – 7
A fine day for the Spaniard. Played the right wing well and showed how strong he and Darmian can combine to be. Some good through passes and provided good pace early in the first half. Sadly, that pace did not stay throughout and he was replaced by Anthony Martial.
Ander Herrera – 8
I would say a great showing for the attacking midfielder. His recent form has allowed him more playing time and he took advantage of it looking strong on a few runs, including one that earned him a penalty. What a penalty it was, too.
Memphis Depay – 5
He was simply not impressive today. Far too many turnovers in possession, some poor decisions making and did not provide the pace the club really needed on the left hand side. He did not push the ball forward well on runs and looked as if he was trying too hard. Not a great day for the Dutchman, was subbed at half-time.
Marouane Fellaini – 6
His first start this year came as a striker, in place of captain Wayne Rooney. He missed an excellent opportunity very early by sailing a chip high over the bar after a Mignolet error and continued to look unsure up front. For someone who was supposed to be the backup striker on the roster, it was really disappointing. Definitely looked more comfortable when he had the pace of Martial and Young either side of him.
Substitutes
Ashley Young – 8
Young came in for Memphis at the start of the second half and immediately provided pace. His early run led to the free kick that put United one-nil up thanks to Blind’s strike. Overall a brilliant half of football and a legitimate contender for the left wing position over Memphis against PSV Eindhoven.
Anthony Martial – 7
The most expensive teen ever and Martial showed why Louis van Gaal wanted to get him now. In Thierry Henry fashion, Martial worked the ball past defenders and found the back of the net with his first shot in a United kit. It will be interesting to see where he will fall in the depth chart now, particularly if Rooney is out for an extended period of time.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6
Not a major impact on the game but looked strong defensively, probably a good decision over Carrick to end the match.