Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings From Ten Hag’s First Premier League Win

Manchester United players worked their socks off on Monday night to produce Erik ten Hag’s first Premier League win.

Liverpool, like United, were winless coming into the game. But such was the Red Devils’ performance against Brighton and Brentford, that Jurgen Klopp’s men were not only expected to win, but to repeat the humiliation they inflicted on their fierce rivals the last time the two sides faced each other in Manchester.

That wasn’t to be, however, as Ten Hag’s players played a very aggressive brand of football to unsettle the visitors right from the start. The approach worked and United went ahead through Jadon Sancho. Marcus Rashford doubled their lead after the break. Mo Salah’s late goal proved to be too little too late, and the Merseyside outfit returned home empty-handed.

Here’s how the United players rated.

David de Gea – 6.5

Made multiple saves in the second-half, but couldn’t keep a clean sheet after Salah headed in the rebound off Fabio Carvalho’s shot.

Diogo Dalot – 7.5

Didn’t allow Luis Diaz much space and time on the ball through his aggressive pressing and tackling.

Raphael Varane – 8.5

His best performance in a United shirt. Varane led the backline spectacularly, and made more clearances than any other player on the pitch.

Lisandro Martinez – 9.0

Man of the Match. Intense in every duel and calm in possession. There won’t be any mention of his height in the post-match analysis of this game.

Tyrell Malacia – 8.0

Was very comfortable in his first start in England against the league’s best player.

Scott McTominay – 7.5

Matched Jordan Henderson and James Milner’s physicality with ease. Completed two dribbles and played a very good ball for Bruno Fernandes in the opening minutes.

Christian Eriksen – 8.0

Another decent display from the Dane, who showed his class on the ball and came very close to scoring from a free-kick.

Bruno Fernandes – 7.5

The captain on the night, Fernandes was everywhere on the pitch. Leader.

Jadon Sancho – 7.5

Fooled the entire Liverpool defence to find the opener. Lit up Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford – 8.0

The United academy graduate simply loves to score against Liverpool. Deserved the goal for keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez on their toes for the whole game.

Anthony Elanga – 7.0

Should’ve scored the first goal of the game but only managed to hit the post.

 

Substitutes

Anthony Martial – 8.0

Was subbed on before Cristiano Ronaldo and made instant impact by linking up with Rashford.

Fred – 6.5

Added some energy and tenacity to United’s midfield.

Cristiano Ronaldo – N/A

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – N/A

Donny van de Beek – N/A