Manchester United Player Ratings Against Liverpool – Simply Stunning From David de Gea

With a 3-0 scoreline, anyone would assume that Manchester United drubbed Liverpool, and did not let the opposition play their natural game. It was not that way. Liverpool created 19 chances, but were unable to get anything past David De Gea, as hard as they tried. Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata gave United the win, as their 3-5-2 formation worked today, with Ashley Young and Luis Antonio Valencia constantly supplying chances from the flanks to the attackers.

Ratings:

David de Gea – 9.5/10 – He was the impenetrable last line of defence that kept Liverpool at bay. He didn’t let anything sneak through, and made save after save, as Liverpool could not come within sniffing distance of United’s lead, because they could not get a goal to begin with.

Phil Jones – 6.5/10 – Kept making crucial interceptions on his return after injury, and did not let the Liverpool attack get too many chances on goal, as he stopped everything that came his way and was taken off as a precautionary measure.

Michael Carrick – 6.5/10 – Was used once again in central defence instead of central midfield. Kept moving the ball forward and built play up from the back. No-nonsense approach as usual from him, which made Liverpool suffer.

Jonny Evans – 6.5/10 – Was the leader of the defence, as he made tackles and interceptions, not allowing Liverpool to get too close. Was booked for his stupidity, but did a good job throughout the game, keeping Liverpool at arm’s length.

Antonio Valencia – 8/10 – Mixed attack and defence with precision, as he shunted up and down the right flank, delivering crosses and keeping Raheem Sterling in check. United may need a winger later, but he was good enough today.

Marouane Fellaini – 6/10 – Was the perfect foil to the attack and to the defence, as he diverted Liverpool’s attention, as they did not know where to focus with his presence. Did not do too much by himself, though, as he was overshadowed by his more illustrious teammates.

Juan Mata – 9.5/10 – Brought back memories of himself in a blue shirt, as he wreaked havoc on Liverpool, playing in his favoured number-10 role, going between the lines of Liverpool’s defence and creating chances. His goal should have been called for offside, but that should not take away from his splendid performance.

Ashley Young – 7.5/10 – Could focus more on attacking, as he did not have much to do in terms of defending. Kept pinging in accurate crosses, as expected, and he was a threat to Liverpool on the wings, as they tried to contain him.

Wayne Rooney – 8/10 – Played in central midfield, to accommodate Juan Mata and James Wilson playing in his preferred spots, but made a late run into the box to take a well-deserved goal and become the Manchester United player to have scored the most goals against Liverpool.

James Wilson – 5/10 – Was overawed by the atmosphere and was too inexperienced to take on the defence in his maiden Premier League start against Liverpool. Kept darting around, but could not create an impact.

Robin van Persie – 8.5/10 – Waited for his opportunity to strike, until when he stayed onside and out of the way, not getting into Liverpool’s defenders aggressively. Made them pay, as his class showed with the goal and assist he got with limited chances.

Subs:

Ander Herrera – 6.5/10 – Came on for an off-gear Wilson, and slotted into central midfield, as he pumped the ball forward, buzzing around a tiring Liverpool midfield which was losing its confidence rapidly.

Radamel Falcao – 6/10 – Louis van Gaal said that he was not capable of playing more than 20 minutes at a stretch, which is exactly what he got. Did not look like the top-class striker that he is, as he dithered around until the finish.

Patrick McNair – Came on in the 89th minute, and cannot be rated.