Liverpool 0 Man Utd 1: Player ratings as Wayne Rooney nets winner

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet Aside from one wayward pass, the Liverpool number one looked much more composed than recent weeks. Couldn’t stop Rooney’s winner, though. 6/10

Nathaniel Clyne Lost his balance at the start of the second half which resulted in a good chance for Rooney. Otherwise, the Liverpool right-back supported his side’s attacks and carried out his defensive duties well. 6

Kolo Touré The 35-year-old continues to defy his ageing legs with another assured performance alongside Sakho.

Mamadou Sakho Good block to deny Martial on the stroke of half-time. One of Liverpool’s best players with a series of brilliant tackles in the area. 8

Alberto Moreno Played a brilliant diagonal pass which was one for the highlight reel. A good performance from the Spanish defender. 7

Jordan Henderson Couldn’t put the finishing touch to a slick Liverpool move. But he combined well with his fellow midfielders. 7

Lucas Leiva Brought back into the Liverpool side. He was very busy. Hit a wonderful pass for Lallana but sparring with Fellaini. Like Sakho, one of Liverpool’s standout performers, at the heart of most things the home side did. 8

Emre Can The Germany international burst past the United defence but couldn’t beat De Gea from an acute angle. He drew another save from the United shot stopper with a powerful drive. 7

Adam Lallana Directed his header straight at De Gea when perhaps he would have been better served to lift it over the United goalkeeper. Sadly again, Lallana flattered to deceive. 5

Roberto Firmino He couldn’t finish with the United defence scrambling after Lallana’s attempt. Firmino was very lively but couldn’t apply the finishing touch to some promising moves. 8

James Milner Played through on the goal but fired wildly over the crossbar. A solid performance from the Liverpool vice-captain. 7

Substitutes

Jordon Ibe N/A

Christian Benteke N/A

Steven Caulker N/A

Manchester United

David de Gea (man of the match) Made a good save to stop to Lallana. The United goalkeeper managed to get a fortuitous foot on Can’s low effort to deflect the shot wide. De Gea was at his best minutes later to deny Can and Firmino in quick succession. 8

Ashley Young The England international was forced off in the first half. 5

Chris Smalling The United centre-half was booked for persistent fouling after trying the referee’s patience once too often. 6

Daley Blind A composed performance from the Netherlands international. 7

Matteo Darmian Italy’s right-back of the year was targeted by Liverpool. He didn’t look overly comfortable on either wing. 6

Morgan Schneiderlin The summer signing didn’t get much time on the ball. 6

Marouane Fellaini Came off worse in an aerial collision with Lucas. His normal spikey self, walking a disciplinary tightrope. His header created the winner. 7

Anthony Martial Isolated on the left wing. His shot on the stroke of half-time was blocked by Sakho. The France striker flashed an effort across goal in the 55th minute. 7

Ander Herrera The United midfielder did more chasing back than getting the away side on the front foot at Anfield. 6

Jesse Lingard A quiet performance from the England Under-21 international. 5

Wayne Rooney The United captain was starved of any real chances. However, when Fellaini’s header crashed against the crossbar, Rooney rifled his finish past Mignolet. 6

Substitutes

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson The inexperienced United youngster did well after he replaced Young in the first half.

Juan Mata His cross led to United’s winner. 6

Memphis Depay N/A