Liverpool
Simon Mignolet Showed authority in his penalty area after some shaky performances in his opening two Liverpool games. Produced a superb save to deny Nani. 7/10
Glen Johnson Great block in the first half to deny Welbeck a clear shot at Mignolet’s goal. Hobbled off injured in the latter stages of the game. 6
Martin Skrtel Restored to the Liverpool line-up after an injury-plagued summer. The Slovakian impressed at the heart of defence alongside Agger as Van Persie was kept largely quiet. 8
Daniel Agger Like Skrtel, impressed as United’s prolific striker had just one clear sighting on goal. 8
Jose Enrique Showed good pace to temper the threat posed by Nani, Valencia and Young. Defensively solid although lacked composure going forward. 7
Steven Gerrard Not at his most effective, but the Liverpool captain kept his side ticking over. Never lacked his trademark passion and produced a couple of timely tackles. 6
Leiva Lucas Broke up United’s frequent attacks in the second half. Assured and calm on the ball. Was guilty of conceding a cheap free-kick near full-time. 7
Jordan Henderson Put Young under pressure to help earn a corner which led to Sturridge’s opener. The England international was solid throughout and a willing runner. 6
Iago Aspas The Spaniard’s showed good movement but was unable to make the most of any half chances which fell his way. Worked hard defensively, too. 6
Phillippe Coutinho Struggled to have a telling impact on the north-west derby. Showed flashes of brilliance. 6
Daniel Sturridge Showed a quickness of thought to deflect Agger’s header past De Gea. Had a couple of neat touches but failed to muster another effort on De Gea’s goal. 7
Substitutes:
Raheem Sterling Showed good pace and looked to test makeshift United right-back Valencia. 6
Luis Alberto N/A
Andre Wisdom N/A
Manchester United
David De Gea Could do little about Sturridge’s header. The Spaniard was forced into a finger-tip save to deny Sterling in the latter stages of the game. 6
Phil Jones Picked up an injury following a collision with Coutinho and was replaced by Valencia in the 37th minute. 4
Rio Ferdinand Was largely at fault for Liverpool’s fourth-minute goal. Attempted to clear Gerrard’s corner with his feet as opposed to his head, which allowed Agger to nip in and set up Sturridge. 5
Nemanja Vidic A series of bizarre passes back to goalkeeper De Gea almost resulted in further Liverpool goals. 5
Patrice Evra United’s best performer in a below-par defensive display. Couldn’t get forward too much to support United’s attacks. 6
Michael Carrick The United midfielder struggled to get his customary passing game going. Lucky to avoid a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Aspas. 4
Tom Cleverley Cleverley, like Carrick, was not at his best. The England international failed to impress with Roy Hodgson watching on. 5
Ryan Giggs United’s brightest spark in the early stages. His experience was evident as the Welshman, despite his booking, was a rare cool head. 6
Danny Welbeck Didn’t have much joy playing largely on the left wing. The striker was shackled by Johnson. 5
Ashley Young Was caught in possession by Henderson, resulting in Sturridge’s opener. Young’s withdrawal in the second half did not come as a surprise. 4
Robin van Persie Missed a great chance to equalise in the final 10 minutes. Struck a largely frustrated figure as United failed to create chances for their prolific striker. 5
Substitutes
Antonio Valencia Showcased his versatility by doing a solid job at right-back. 6
Javier Hernandez N/A