Manchester United vs Liverpool Summary
Manchester United were dominated by arch rivals Liverpool in an embarrassing 4-0 defeat. United were second best all over the pitch and didn’t deserve to get anything out of the game. Mohammed Salah got a goal in both halves, while Saido Mane and Luis Diaz also got themselves on the scoresheet.
The Red Devils began the game in a very rigid and defensive system. However, it took just five minutes for Liverpool to take the lead. Captain Harry Maguire was caught out of position and Salah put it on a plate for Diaz, who found the back of the net. In the seventh minute, both sets of supporters came together to pay tribute to Crisitano Ronaldo following the death of his newborn son. Ronaldo has spoken positively about this touching gesture.
Ralph Rangnick’s side simply could not cope with Liverpool’s intense pressure. The home side constantly pressed the disjointed United side, who were unable to get possession of the ball. Thiago was running the show from midfield and United were left stunned. Matters were made worse when Paul Pogba began limping. The Frenchman looks set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up with what looks like a calf injury. Salah then ended his goal-drought after being picked out brilliantly by Mane.
After the break, the visitors did improve and this was mainly because of Jadon Sancho’s introduction. The winger brought intent and purpose to United’s attacking play, which was nonexistent in the first half. Sancho began causing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s all kinds of problems, however United were unable to make this pressure count. Mane put an end to the contest with a first-time finish from Diaz’s pinpoint cross. Salah completed the humiliation five minutes from time, after being picked out by Diogo Jota.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Player Ratings
David de Gea 4/10
Could do nothing to stop any of the goals. Was constantly let down by the defence. Didn’t get close to any of the goals and it could have been worse for the Spaniard if Liverpool didn’t show mercy.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 3/10
Was second best in his duel with Diaz and didn’t offer anything in an attacking or defensive sense. Switched to left-back and was slightly better. His days in red and white look like they may be coming to an end.
Victor Lindelof 2/10
Was poor from start to finish. Couldn’t cope with the intensity of the Liverpool front three. Made a decent pass to Rashford in the first half, but apart from that it was a horrific display.
Harry Maguire 1/10
An incredibly poor performance. Many will suggest that he was at fault for every goal. Showed no leadership or passion. Needs replacing as captain next season.
Phil Jones 3/10
The fact that he was starting this game highlighted the position United are in at the moment. Thrown in at the deep end and couldn’t prevent the cross from reaching Diaz. Surprisingly taken off considering both Lindelof and Maguire were worse.
Diogo Dalot 2/10
Began as a left wing-back and was overwhelmed from start to finish. Couldn’t deal with Salah and Alexander-Arnold at all. Was poor in the build up to the first two goals. Went to right back in the second half, but was still poor.
Paul Pogba 1/10
Began hobbling after Liverpool took the lead. Probably his last game for the club.
Nemanja Matic 4/10
One of United better performers. Improved in the second half. Didn’t have the legs to cope with Liverpool’s aggressive transitions.
Bruno Fernandes 2/10
Had no impact on the game and was chasing Thiago’s shadow all night. Has been poor since he signed his new contract.
Anthony Elanga 3/10
Didn’t have an impact on the game. Should have found the back of the net following Rashford’s initial effort. Big ask of the youngster to play against Virgil Van Dijk in a front two.
Marcus Rashford 3/10
Like his striking partner, he should of found the back of the net. Wasted two opportunities to get his side back into the game.
Subs
Jesse Lingard 4/10
Showed some passion and tried to initiate a press. Was positive throughout but had little joy.
Jadon Sancho 6/10
By far United’s best performer. Was direct and aggressive and this lifted the rest of the team. His introduction saw Liverpool become much more nervy. Beat three players before sending Rashford one on one. Should have started.
Hannibal Mejeri 5/10
Got stuck into the opposition and showed that he cared about what was happening on the pitch.
Manager Ralph Rangnick 3/10
Has to take some responsibility for the manner of this defeat. He decided to start Jones over Bailly and this was a horrendous decision. Jones was hooked at half time and was replaced by Sancho, who should have started the game.
