Full Time: Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United’s matches against Liverpool will always be over-hyped, owing to the intense rivalry between both clubs. Possibly, that is a reason why expectations are always sky-high, and the match ends up getting labelled ‘boring’ if it ends in a draw. United may have parked the bus, but one needs to understand that they were without key players Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini.
Yes, they did indulge in deeply-defensive football – much like last season – but they also managed to contain a side known for a lethal attack force in the Premier League. Liverpool definitely dominated the match but they simply lacked good finishing, which goes on to highlight several underlying problems for the club. One cannot expect high-octane football in every big game, and while the match ended in a goal-less draw, Jose Mourinho and his men certainly did not disappoint.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David De Gea – 9.5/10
The Flying Spaniard never fails to disappoint. He displayed sheer class and skill as he shielded the net from every threat. He simply rose to the occasion and was one of the best players on the field.
Matteo Darmian – 7/10
Darmian was deployed instead of Ashley Young as a left-back but the player looked a bit shaky initially. He eventually solidified himself and played quite a significant role in keeping Mohamed Salah at bay.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
When news of Eric Bailly’s injury surfaced, there was a concern as to how Smalling would fare. The player did decently and was able to keep Roberto Firmino quiet. He did face trouble whenever Philippe Coutinho ran from deep, but besides that, he was fine.
Phil Jones – 8/10
Jones continued his good run and was largely successful at containing the midfield runners than Liverpool’s main strikers.
Antonio Valencia – 8.5/10
Valencia was easily the best defender for United on the field. His early one-on-one battle with Coutinho only proved how classy and skilled the player is.
Ander Herrera – 6.5/10
Herrera restricted Coutinho on several occasions but he did not start well, and left Matic to do most of the job.
Nemanja Matic – 7.5/10
Matic was probably the only force to be reckoned with in United’s midfield. He was quite effective as he diligently went about with his duty.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4.5/10
Much like United’s attack, Mkhitaryan was almost invisible. The Red Devils are missing Pogba, and Mkhitaryan struggled to have any influence whatsoever.
Anthony Martial – 5/10
Martial was tipped to do well against Liverpool’s frail defence but he just looked lost on the field. He could’ve done better in a more attack-minded formation perhaps, but it was simply not his day.
Ashley Young – 6/10
The player was surprisingly deployed in a more advanced attacking role. Although he was tactically sound, Mourinho is unlikely to play him in this position as the season progresses.
Romelu Lukaku – 5.5/10
Considering that Mourinho deployed the players in a defensive formation, there was not much Lukaku could do. However, even on the very few counter-attacking instances, the player failed to get anywhere close to the net.