Liverpool
Simon Mignolet – 7.5
A brilliant save to frustrate Jesse Lingard was a highlight for the Belgian keeper. That apart, he had to make a few routine saves. Mamadou Sakho’s impressive display ensured that he was largely untroubled in the second half.
Nathaniel Clyne – 6
A below-par performance from the English international. He conceded the penalty which led to United’s goal, following which he was constantly being beaten by Anthony Martial. He was hardly seen up the field trying to initiate a Liverpool attack from the wing.
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Dejan Lovren – 7.5
The Croatian continues to grow in stature under the eye of Klopp. He had a confident game at Old Trafford, keeping out crosses and intercepting that final pass in the penalty area to thwart United.
Mamadou Sakho – 8.5
The Frenchman could have arguably had his best game in a while, keeping in mind his indifferent form over the last two months. He was assured with his headed clearances and interceptions. His performance ensured Liverpool’s penalty area remained danger-free for most of the game.
James Milner – 7
Starting in a left-back position due to Alberto Moreno’s injury, Milner gave in a good performance, not allowing Jesse Lingard to get the better of him. His versatility in various positions showed on Thursday night, as he even looked to challenge Varela going forward with some decent looking runs down the flanks.
Emre Can – 8
It was a brilliant performance from the German in the middle of the pitch, making timely interceptions and committing himself to a number of vital tackles to make sure that Manchester United were never really allowed to engineer clear-cut chances to reduce their deficit. His sublime back-heeled pass to Coutinho in the second half was another example of his positive impact in every area of Liverpool’s system, be it in defence or in attack. He was lively and creative throughout the 90 minutes.
Jordan Henderson – 6.5
The skipper was solid in his half and did his job as far as defensive work was concerned. He was, however, kept under the radar by his midfield partner Can as he didn’t really stamp an impact on his side’s performance up the field. He was positive with his passing but was never in the thick of things as far as chance creation was concerned. He had a massive chance to put Liverpool ahead in the first half but spurned his shot over the bar.
Adam Lallana – 6.5
Another Liverpool player who had a contrasting display from the first leg. His tendency to hold the ball up over time slowed Liverpool’s counter-attacks. A fairly quiet performance from the ex-Southampton man. He did, of course, double-man Anthony Martial alongside Clyne on the wing, keeping the 20-year old from launching that run along the bye-line he is normally so adept at doing.
Roberto Firmino – 6.5
Liverpool’s Man of the Match in the first leg also had a reserved display at Old Trafford – not really being able to put his class on display as much as he would have liked. He was kept at bay by Smalling, who ensured that the Brazilian was not given the space to work the ball around.
Philippe Coutinho – 9
Match-winning performance. That describes the Brazilian’s performance. He was absolutely running circles around the United defence, especially poor Guillermo Varela. His run from the half-way line to beat the Uruguayan, followed by a searing run along the byline and the presence of mind to dink the ball over David de Gea was the act no less than that of a magician. That goal effectively shattered any hopes of United coming back in the tie, as they needed to score three to progress. The goal aside, he was flamboyant – completing dribbles for fun and having cracks at goal with that brilliant right foot of his. He could easily have scored a couple more, but for David de Gea – whose saves thwarted the 23-year old even in the first leg. In short, it was a memorable display from the winger.
Daniel Sturridge – 6.5
Apart from a free-kick from the edge of the box which beat de Gea and smashed the crossbar, it was a relatively subdued night for the usually buoyant striker. He was well closed down by Blind.
Substitutes:
Divock Origi – 7
The Belgian had a shot on target, which was saved by David de Gea. He was lively in the 25-odd minutes he was on the field. If anything, he was giving Blind a couple of problems with his pace, something Sturridge struggled to do.
Joe Allen – 6.5
The ‘Welsh Xavi’ effectively ran the clock down with some confident short passes.
Christian Benteke – N/A
The big Belgian striker replaced Firmino very late in the game. No time to make an impact. Not that he had to.
