Liverpool 0 Man United 1: Player ratings as Wayne Rooney nets winner
Player ratings as Wayne Rooney scores the winner in Man United's 1-0 victory over Liverpool
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 Toure 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




