A big win for Manchester United, a bad day for Liverpool. Here’s how the players fared.
Manchester United
De Gea – 6
Had a shaky moment early in the second half but responded well. Save from Ings was crucial.
Darmian – 7
Impressive going forward and rarely troubled defensively.
Smalling – 8
His renaissance continues – incredible to think so many wanted him out barely a year ago.
Blind – 7
Took his goal well and helped contain Liverpool’s front two. His future may still lie in midfield, though.
Shaw – 7
Combined well with Depay going forward in the first half, in a combination that could have been more fruitful had the Dutchman delivered.
Carrick – 7
Seemed comfortable in this midfield set-up, producing one of the better performances of his last 18 months at United.
Schweinsteiger – 6
Approaching the fitness levels critics wondered if he’d ever reach – Schweinsteiger at 90% will be a major asset.
Herrera – 7
Continues to show why he’s so popular with United fans. Looks like he’s really enjoying his football.
https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/642759502954147840
Mata – 6
Made an important breakthrough in helping create Blind’s goal, but didn’t offer much help from open play.
Depay – 5
Nothing seemed to go right for the Dutchman, and he was withdrawn at half-time.
Fellaini – 5
Poor first touches killed attacking moves all too often. Seemed calmer after being moved back into midfield.
Substitutes
Young – 6
The right man for this game. Offered a calm contrast to Depay’s overexuberance.
Martial – 7
Took his goal brilliantly – United might not be all that bothered by the transfer fee.
Schneiderlin – N/A
Not enough time to make too much of an impact.
Liverpool
Mignolet – 5
Started shakily and did little to assuage those nerves, but had no chance with any of the goals.
Clyne – 6
Better going forward than defensively, but was outshone by opposite number Darmian.
Lovren – 5
Must be a nightmare to play behind – looked either shaky or completely terrified, often at random.
Skrtel – 5
Never looked comfortable and was run ragged by Martial for the clincher.
I see that Anthony Martial read the scouting report on Martin Skrtel
WEAKNESSES: anything
— James Tyler (still) (@JamesTylerESPN) September 12, 2015
Gomez – 5
Caught out badly when conceding a penalty, but looked comfortable in a quiet first half.
Milner – 5
In a game where his energy ought to have helped Liverpool against United’s midfield three, he was merely okay.
Lucas – 5
Showed why he was close to a move away from Anfield this summer. Won’t be a regular starter this season.
https://twitter.com/TheShanklyGate5/status/642750488908296192
Can – 5
By no means the worst of Liverpool’s midfield but could have shown more.
Firmino – 4
Hugely ineffective and missed a presentable chance before being withdrawn.
Benteke – 6
Stunning goal followed solid hold-up play, but moments of genius were few and far between.
Ings – 6
Worked hard but not capable of doing everything on his own. Showed enough promise to suggest he’ll be handy against different opposition.
Substitutes
Ibe – 7
Gave Liverpool a real sense of purpose after leaving the bench. The only player to really worry United’s defence.
Origi – N/A
Important for him to get game-time but he’ll grow with more minutes over the season.
Moreno – N/A
A very brief run-out for the Spaniard.
