Manchester United v Liverpool – Player Ratings

Manchester United

De Gea - 6

Had a shaky moment early in the second half but responded well. Save from Ings was crucial.

Darmian - 7

Impressive going forward and rarely troubled defensively.

Smalling - 8

His renaissance continues - incredible to think so many wanted him out barely a year ago.

Blind - 7

Took his goal well and helped contain Liverpool's front two. His future may still lie in midfield, though.

Shaw - 7

Combined well with Depay going forward in the first half, in a combination that could have been more fruitful had the Dutchman delivered.

Carrick - 7

Seemed comfortable in this midfield set-up, producing one of the better performances of his last 18 months at United.

Schweinsteiger - 6

Approaching the fitness levels critics wondered if he'd ever reach - Schweinsteiger at 90% will be a major asset.

Herrera - 7

Continues to show why he's so popular with United fans. Looks like he's really enjoying his football. https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/642759502954147840

Mata - 6

Made an important breakthrough in helping create Blind's goal, but didn't offer much help from open play.

Depay - 5

Nothing seemed to go right for the Dutchman, and he was withdrawn at half-time.

Fellaini - 5

Poor first touches killed attacking moves all too often. Seemed calmer after being moved back into midfield.

Substitutes

Young - 6

The right man for this game. Offered a calm contrast to Depay's overexuberance.

Martial - 7

Took his goal brilliantly - United might not be all that bothered by the transfer fee.

Schneiderlin - N/A

Not enough time to make too much of an impact.

Liverpool

Mignolet - 5

Started shakily and did little to assuage those nerves, but had no chance with any of the goals.

Clyne - 6

Better going forward than defensively, but was outshone by opposite number Darmian.

Lovren - 5

Must be a nightmare to play behind - looked either shaky or completely terrified, often at random.

Skrtel - 5

Never looked comfortable and was run ragged by Martial for the clincher. https://twitter.com/JamesTylerESPN/status/642763567377293312

Gomez - 5

Caught out badly when conceding a penalty, but looked comfortable in a quiet first half.

Milner - 5

In a game where his energy ought to have helped Liverpool against United's midfield three, he was merely okay.

Lucas - 5

Showed why he was close to a move away from Anfield this summer. Won't be a regular starter this season. https://twitter.com/TheShanklyGate5/status/642750488908296192

Can - 5

By no means the worst of Liverpool's midfield but could have shown more.

Firmino - 4

Hugely ineffective and missed a presentable chance before being withdrawn.

Benteke - 6

Stunning goal followed solid hold-up play, but moments of genius were few and far between.

Ings - 6

Worked hard but not capable of doing everything on his own. Showed enough promise to suggest he'll be handy against different opposition.

Substitutes

Ibe - 7

Gave Liverpool a real sense of purpose after leaving the bench. The only player to really worry United's defence.

Origi - N/A

Important for him to get game-time but he'll grow with more minutes over the season.

Moreno - N/A

A very brief run-out for the Spaniard.