Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings
Reuters / Phil Noble
Two of the biggest clubs in England faced off on Sunday, as Manchester United hosted Liverpool at Old Trafford. The feisty clash, however, ended in a 1-1 draw, with both sides sharing the spoils. Here’s how the two powerhouses fared at the Theatre of Dreams:
MANCHESTER UNITED –
DAVID DE GEA: 6
Was decent all game, and distributed the ball superbly. Dived the right way for Milner’s penalty, which was too good to be saved.
ANTONIO VALENCIA: 7
Did the job at the back, but failed to get much involved in the attack until the second half. Whipped in some dangerous crosses towards the end – including the assist for Zlatan’s equalizer.
PHIL JONES: 6
His mistake led to the corner that ultimately led to the penalty. Didn’t do much wrong otherwise.
MARCOS ROJO: 7
Terrific return from his injury. Solid at the back all night.
MATTEO DARMIAN: 6
Decent defensively, but not much of a threat on the attack.
MICHAEL CARRICK: 6
Wasn’t as effective as usual. Failed to distribute the ball to the wings thanks to Liverpool’s midfield press.
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ANDER HERRERA: 8
The best Manchester United player on the bitch. Passed well, and pushed his team forward. Also took one for the team by holding on to Firmino’s shirt to prevent a counterattack, for which he got booked.
PAUL POGBA: 5
Played his worst game since joining United. Missed a great chance, conceded a penalty, and was almost invisible since.
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN: 6
Created a good chance for Pogba, and failed to convert a decent one himself. Spent the latter stages of the second half at left-back.
ANTHONY MARTIAL: 6
Was the bright spark for the home side early on, but faded as time passed. Failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s inexperienced right-back.
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC: 7
Had his strong free-kick saved by Mignolet. Didn’t do much else since, but popped up when it mattered with a crucial equalizer.
Reuters / Phil Noble
SUBSTITUTES –
WAYNE ROONEY: 6
Worked hard since coming on, and was also seen encouraging his fellow teammates.
JUAN MATA: 6
Failed to influence the game much.
MAROUANE FELLAINI: 7
Jose’s supersub. Changed the game by playing a crucial role in Zlatan’s goal.
LIVERPOOL –
SIMON MIGNOLET: 7
Arguably Liverpool’s best player. Made crucial saves against Zlatan’s hard-hit free-kick and Mkhitaryan’s close range chance.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD: 6
The inexperienced 18-year-old started the game nervously, but grew stable as time passed. Great debut.
RAGNAR KLAVAN: 6
Did the job at the back.
DEJAN LOVREN: 6
Made a dangerous back pass in the first half that could have proven costly. Was decent otherwise, and dominant in the air.
JAMES MILNER: 8
Did his defensive duties at left-back, put in the corner that led to the penalty, which he converted himself. Man of the Match.
JORDAN HENDERSON: 7
Had a good game. Showed exactly why he was missed.
EMRE CAN: 6
Played a role in helping the Reds go forward.
GINI WIJNALDUM: 6
Used the ball well. Could have won the game for his side late on, but didn’t make the most of his chance.
ADAM LALLANA: 6
Was a livewire throughout the game. Helped stop United’s counterattacks.
ROBERTO FIRMINO: 6
Had an average game, but looked much better since Coutinho came on.
DIVOCK ORIGI: 6
Made a few decent runs, but failed to make notable attempts at goal.
SUBSTITUTES –
PHILIPPE COUTINHO: 7
Was a threat, and gave Liverpool an attacking mentality as soon as he stepped onto the pitch.
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