That’s a match that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Manchester United took a huge step towards a return to the Champions League, Liverpool lost serious ground on their rivals and Steven Gerrard’s last game against the team’s most bitter rivals ends after thirty-three seconds.
Here’s how we rated the teams:
Liverpool
Simon Mignolet – 6.5
Almost had a few ‘Mignolet moments’ in the second-half, could arguably done a bit better for Mata’s goals, but they was beaten by two excellent finishes. The goalkeeper did show some nice composure to hoodwink Di Maria near the end and done well to save United’s penalty.
Emre Can – 5
Comfortable in possession, but struggled with the aerial threat of Fellaini and gave away a soft penalty.
Martin Skrtel – 5.5
Wasn’t as tested as much United would’ve liked. Lucky not to see red for late stamp.
Mamadou Sakho – 5.5
Sakho looks awkward, but the defender is comfortable in possession. Caught flat for Mata’s second.
Joe Allen – 4
Looked miles off the pace, Allen really struggled against United’s compact midfield.
Jordan Henderson (C) – 5
With the exception of one nice cross for Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool’s captain was anonymous.
Adam Lallana – 4
Ineffective, substituted for Steven Gerrard at half-time. That went well didn’t it?
Alberto Moreno – 3
Caught in no-man’s land for both of United’s goal. Moreno didn’t know whether to press Valencia or track Mata, did neither and left an ocean of space for Herrera to set up the goal. Failed to track Mata for his second and probably only Steven Gerrard had a worse day.
Philippe Coutinho – 6
It’s not saying much, but Coutinho was Liverpool’s best player. The little Brazilian floated into the limited space United allocated and although he wasn’t always effective, he tried constantly.
Raheem Sterling – 4
Looked completely lost on the right wing in the first half, Sterling was moved centrally in the second-half but didn’t have his usual effect.
Daniel Sturridge – 6
Nice finish for Liverpool’s goal.
Substitutes:
Steven Gerrard – 0
Thirty-three seconds and a red card, not the effect Livepool’s iconic captain wanted to have in his last appearance against Manchester United.
Mario Balotelli – 4
A substitute losing his cool and getting sent-off in a big game, Gerrard stole Balotelli’s schtick. The Italian had to settle for rowing with United players.
Manchester United
David de Gea – 5.5
The most in-form goalkeeper around was beaten on his near post, otherwise De Gea was rarely troubled. This is probably the last time the Spaniard will get such a low rating.
Antonio Valencia – 5
The poorest performances from a Manchester United player during the first half, Valencia looked nervous in possession. The Ecuadorian just isn’t a natural right-back.
Phil Jones – 6
Alex Ferguson once said Phil Jones can become the greatest Manchester United player ever. He was wrong. Jones can bump into people and run around though.
Chris Smalling – 7
Coped well with Daniel Sturridge and even looked comfortable in possession. Well, more comfortable than usual.
Daley Blind – 6.5
Not the answer at left-back, Blind was caught out for Liverpool’s goal but kept going and won United’s penalty.
Ashley Young – 6.5
Another steady performance, offered protection for Valencia before being substituted early in the second half.
Michael Carrick – 7
Calm, controlled, Carrick.
Ander Herrera – 8
Linked up great his Spanish compatriot, Herrera was neat in possession and played a incisive pass for United’s opener. Hesitated to shoot a few times, but had a very effective game.
Juan Mata – 9 MOTM
The Spaniard’s best appearance in a United shirt. Mata was comfortable in possession, linked up well with Herrera and produced two excellent finishes. The second was pure class.
Marouane Fellaini – 7
‘Not pretty, but effective’ – will probably be inscribed on Fellaini’s headstone. The Belgian was dominant in the air, a nuisance when United lost the ball and brought his more talented teammates into the game.
Wayne Rooney (C) – 5.5
The United captain’s first touch was heavy, he was caught off-side a number of times and his penalty was tame.
Substitutes:
Angel di Maria – 6
An improved performance from the bench, Di Maria set up Mata’s second with a nice pass.
Falcao – 5
Falcao’s move may not work out, but won’t be due to lack of effort.
Marcos Rojo –
He wasn’t on the pitch long enough to be rated, or receive his usual yellow card.
