Manchester United
David De Gea Could do little about either of Gerrard’s brace of penalties. Made a brilliant save to deny Suarez before the Uruguayan beat the Spaniard with United’s defence all at sea. United’s best player. 7/10
Rafael da Silva Cautioned for a late challenge on Gerrard just after the half-hour mark. A crazy couple of minutes was capped by a cynical handball which resulted in a penalty. The Brazilian was lucky to remain on the pitch after it appeared deliberate. Made two further challenges which arguably warranted a second yellow. 3
Nemanja Vidic Mistakes by his younger defensive colleagues meant the Serbian could do little to prevent either of Liverpool’s opening two goals. Sent off with 13 minutes remaining although replays showed he made no contact with Sturridge. 5
Phil Jones Thunderous early challenge on Gerrard set the tone for the derby. Guilty of a lazy challenge on Allen which resulted in Liverpool’s second penalty. 5
Patrice Evra Didn’t receive much protection from his midfield. Tried to help going forward but had little impact. 5
Marouane Fellaini Fortunate not to give away a fifth-minute penalty after clipping Suarez’s heel. Picked up a bloody head for his troubles after losing an aerial battle with Gerrard. 4
Michael Carrick Sloppy in possession and couldn’t get to grips with Liverpool’s mobile midfield. Lucky not to have conceded a fourth penalty of the game after clipping Sturridge. 5
Adnan Januzaj The Belgian had little impact on the derby clash as he switched wings but still had little joy. 5
Juan Mata Struggled to get into the game as he was harried by Flanagan. Did improve in the second half. 6
Wayne Rooney Stuttering start to the bitter clash which means even more to the former Toffee. Mounted one effort on goal but denied by a strong Mignolet save. 6
Robin van Persie Quiet performance from the Netherlands international. Didn’t make many runs behind the Liverpool defence and afforded little time with the ball at his feet. May regret expressing his desire to stay beyond his current contract earlier this week. Wasted a headed chance after the break. 6
Substitutes
Danny Welbeck N/A
Tom Cleverley N/A
Liverpool
Simon Mignolet Didn’t find himself worked too hard apart from punching away a Rooney effort. Missed a punch in the second half which gave Vidic a half-chance. 7
Glen Johnson Tasked with marking Januzaj for large part of the north-west derby and the England international proved too strong for the 19-year-old. Perhaps fortunate to get away with a handball. 6
Martin Skrtel Booked for a cynical challenge. Wasn’t overly tested by Rooney or Van Persie. 7
Daniel Agger Bizarrely vacated his post to allow Rooney the chance to test Mignolet. Otherwise a solid performance. 7
Jon Flanagan Bright start by the young defender making his first appearance in this fixture at Old Trafford. Booked after one over-zealous tackle too many. 6
Joe Allen Did a lot of pressing and running in the first half after retaining his first-team place. Had a shot comfortably saved by De Gea. 7
Steven Gerrard (Man of the match) Calm presence in the heart of the midfield. Scored his ninth and 10th goals of the season from the penalty spot. Appeared to be a good omen for England and Roy Hodgson but missed his third penalty which would have capped another special Old Trafford game. 8
Jordan Henderson A lively presence but failed to produce the stellar displays against Arsenal and Everton that won his many plaudits. 6
Raheem Sterling A confident performance from the England international as he offered a threat on the counter-attack. Outshone his fellow youngster, Januzaj. 6
Luis Suarez Had an early claim for a penalty waved away. Did earn a spot-kick before the first half was out as he drew a handball from Rafael. Not his best game in Liverpool colours but capped a special Liverpool day with a late strike. 7
Daniel Sturridge Missed an early sight on goal after two minutes. Fluffed a better chance after turning his marker and manufacturing space. Won a second-half penalty before inadvertently assisting Suarez in the 84th minute. 7
Substitutes
Philippe Coutinho Was a bright spark in the Liverpool midfield following his introduction. 6
Lucas Leiva N/A
Iago Aspas N/A