Player Ratings : Liverpool v Manchester United

Manchester United

Michael Carrick was United’s top player

David De Gea – 7/10

Couldn’t have done anything about the goal scored by Liverpool. Apart from a flying save deep into the stoppage time, he made a couple of comfortable saves off free kicks or long range shots and was largely untroubled by the Liverpool attackers. Kept his concentration well in clearing the ball which was almost chased down by Johnson when Vidic let a loose back pass towards him.

Phil Jones – 5/10

Playing as a makeshift right back, he didn’t provide much support in the attacking sense on the right wing as his crosses were easily dealt with by the Liverpool defense. Did his defensive duties well until he fell awkwardly to twist his ankle and was subbed just after thirty six minutes for Valencia.

Rio Ferdinand – 6/10

Was at fault for conceding the goal as he lost Agger, who won the header off the corner that resulted in the Liverpool goal. Performed well otherwise during open play as he didn’t allow Liverpool strikers much time on the ball to pose any real threat.

Nemanja Vidic – 7/10

Produced a sound defensive display in the heart of United defense as he cleared anything that came his way. Tried his best to score at the other end through his aerial prowess off the corners, but was well marked by Liverpool defenders.

Patrice Evra – 7/10

Didn’t have much to do defensively as Henderson and Aspas were well off their game. Did well going forward in supporting the wingers and putting in few balls into the box. Took a crunching tackle from Johnson when he tried to run through the Liverpool defense from the center.

Ryan Giggs – 6/10

Just as Steven Gerrard for Liverpool, he didn’t do enough according to his experience and high standards playing in big matches like these. His deliveries from corners were also not up to the mark. Didn’t lose possession, but didn’t do much with the ball too. Was subbed midway through the second half.

Michael Carrick – 8/10

Dictated the play for United as he pulled the strings from midfield. Made some vital interceptions as well as forward passes to display his all round game. He, along with Cleverley, dominated the midfield especially in the second half. The only thing missing was probably the killer pass.

Tom Cleverley – 7/10

Played well alongside Carrick in the United midfield and didn’t allow Gerrard and co. assert themselves on United. Hit some good thirty yard diagonals towards the flanks and kept the ball moving in the midfield. Continued from his fine display against Chelsea on Monday night.

Ashley Young – 6/10

Put in a couple of delightful crosses into the Liverpool box, but the United strikers were unfortunately at the wrong places. Could have scored in the second half if his shot, well on target from just outside the area ,was not blocked by a couple of Liverpool defenders. Was subbed in the 60th minute for Nani.

Danny Welbeck – 6/10

Put in a good shift with his energy on the field. Tracked back well as always in winning the ball for United. Going forward, however, he was well kept in check by Liverpool defenders. Had a half chance in the first half when his shot was well blocked by Glen Johnson.

Robin Van Persie – 4/10

Had a very poor game according to his very high standards. Couldn’t get himself into the game as he was largely left a frustrated figure by the Liverpool defenders, which also earned him a yellow card. Should have scored the equalizer late into the second half when he was put through on goal by Hernandez, but he scuffed his right footed sliding shot into the side netting.

Substitutes

Antonio Valencia – 8/10

Produced a wonderful performance, both in defense as well as in attack, after he was unexpectedly called on early in the match following Jones’ injury. Kept a check on Sterling during the second half, and his pace and strength proved to be handful for Liverpool’s left back. Just like Carrick, the only thing missing from his game was that killer final ball.

Nani – 6/10

Did inject some pace and trickery into the United right wing along with Valencia, which also allowed him to take a shot at goal off his left foot, which was very well saved by Liverpool keeper. However, he still very much looked short of match practice as his touches were not up to the mark.

Javier Hernandez – 6/10

Came on late for his first appearance under David Moyes. Produced the moment and ball of the match for United when he slid a ball onto the patch of Van Persie, who could only scuff his shot wide. Other than that, he, like Nani, looked really short of match practice.