Following Liverpool’s hugely disappointing performance and result at Old Trafford, Ben Twelves provides his player ratings.
Man United 3-1 Liverpool – Premier League – Old Trafford – Saturday, 12th September 2015
Simon Mignolet – 6 (out of 10)
The Belgian stopper endured a mixed overall afternoon at Old Trafford.
His distribution was erratic at times and decision making too, but he could do little about any of the goals and was certainly not helped by the dodgy centre back pairing ahead who did little to protect him.
Nathaniel Clyne – 6
A lot of United’s play was focussed down Clyne’s side, and he dealt positively with most of what he had to do.
He did give away the free-kick for United’s opener after being twisted by Ashley Young, but he was solid for the most part, despite being limited going forward – though hardly his fault with an inept attacking display.
Martin Skrtel – 4
The Slovakian is becoming a real liability at the heart of Liverpool’s defence and he was no different at Old Trafford where he turned in a spineless display.
Skrtel was his usual nervy self in possession causing panic numerous times with is inability to deal decisively with anything that came his way, and his defending for United’s third goal when one-against-one with Anthony Martial was shambolic.
Dejan Lovren – 4.5
Lovren was lucky to keep his place in the side after his inept showing against West Ham and he turned in another poor but marginally improved display at Old Trafford.
He was indecisive and lacked ability to deal confidently with threats posed, and his distribution was unambitious throughout.
Joe Gomez – 5.5
Penalty incident aside – which the teenager will learn from – Gomez produced a decent overall performance at Old Trafford.
He was solid defensively bar his moment of madness, and was reliable in possession throughout despite again being fielded out of position at left-back.
Lucas Leiva – 5
It was a totally ineffective evening for the Brazilian in his holding midfield role where he failed to impose himself on the game.
He was slow and unaware to United danger throughout, and his sloppy distribution put the Reds on the back foot on too many occasions.
James Milner – 5
Captain in the absence of Jordan Henderson who was sorely missed, Milner failed to provide any inspiration, turning in a really poor display.
For his industrious work, which wasn’t at the levels seen since his arrival, the stand-in skipper lacked quality on the ball too often and struggled to impose himself on proceedings.
Emre Can – 6.5
Can was one of the Reds better performers on a dreadful overall afternoon in central midfield.
His efforts ultimately proved fruitless, but the German at least actually tried to engineer some positive play throughout with some driving runs to support the isolated Christian Benteke and looked to press constantly to force a way back into the game.
Danny Ings – 6
It was certainly an afternoon to forget for Ings on his first Reds’ start but it was far from a dreadful individual performance from the 22-year-old.
Stationed in an unproductive wide role like Firmino, the natural striker was limited in his impact, but he was disciplined defensively in his flank duties, and provided some lively moments which unsurprisingly came when he tucked in to central areas, including drawing an excellent save from David De Gea with a left-foot strike.
Roberto Firmino – 6.5
Despite being positioned in a negative and restrictive wide role, the Brazilian was arguably the Reds’ best performer on a poor afternoon.
Firmino demonstrated quality on the ball attempting to instigate some creative play in the final third and he worked well out of possession with little support before being withdrawn after 65 minutes.
Christian Benteke – 6
The Belgian’s wonder goal dragged Liverpool back into the game, but overall Benteke had a poor afternoon – although not all of his own doing.
The 24-year-old was not helped by being so isolated in a hugely restricting set-up, but he did nowhere near enough to force his way into the game with a real lack of energy failing to provide a mobile, industrious outlet up top.
Substitutes
Jordon Ibe (on for Firmino 65th) – 6
The teenager came on into an ugly situation but enjoyed a better and far more positive 25 minutes cameo.
He was direct and determined, drew a fine save from David De Gea with a rapsing left-foot drive and played a part in Benteke’s stunning consolation with his cross deflected into the Belgians reach. Much more promising from the 18-year-old.
Divock Origi (on for Ings 73rd) – 5.5
As with Ibe, it was hardly an ideal situation to come on into, but Origi looked lively and direct in the time he was on.
Alberto Moreno (on for Lucas 88th) – N/A
There was little time for the Spaniard to make an impact, though he did manage to make one embarrassing air-kick.
Brendan Rodgers – 3
It was an afternoon that almost had a feeling that there’s no way back for the Liverpool boss from here after a predictable and woeful defeat.
His decision to make only one change after the appalling loss against West Ham proved the stupid move many thought it was, and while it could be argued substitutes Ibe and Origi at least threw up some positives, the damage was ultimately done by Rodgers’ abysmal selection and set-up.
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