Manchester United have collected a point on the road as Erik ten Hag’s men leave Anfield with a clean sheet and vindication after a solid performance over 90 minutes that could very well have resulted in three points.
Liverpool dominated the opening five minutes but United grew into the affair and broke up play nicely – although that did not translate into chances in the final third for the entirety of the first half.
Coming into the game as heavy favourites, Liverpool failed to show why they should be involved in any title conversation as one third of United’s first team made comfortable work of their predictable patterns.
That continued for the rest of the game and even though it opened up in the final 25 minutes, Liverpool never looked like scoring by way of their chanced lobs through Trent Alexander-Arnold.
United came close to winning it toward the end but at the end of the day, Ten Hag will be delighted with the performance.
Man United Player Ratings
Andre Onana – 8
Tidy job with the ball at his feet, guiding his side out of some sequences where Liverpool had advanced deep into United’s defensive third with their press. Made comfortable work out of all of the shots on target.
Diogo Dalot – 9
Like the rest of the backline, the Portuguese full-back was as close to flawless as you can get. Absolutely absurd decision by Michael Oliver to send him off.
Jonny Evans – 9
The Northern Ireland legend has been good whenever he has played and tonight, he leaves Anfield as the best centre-back on the pitch.
Raphael Varane – 9
Superb performance after some time out of the team. Exactly what United needed.
Luke Shaw – 9
There were murmurings that Shaw was set to play centre-back but thankfully, he played in his best position and was at the top of his game.
Sofyan Amrabat – 9
Really growing into his own at United for what he has been brought in to do. Midfield destroyer who never stops running or fighting.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
He struggled in the first 20 minutes as the game looked to be moving too quickly for him but he settled in after that and was not fazed at all. You couldn’t tell he’s the youngest Manchester United player to ever start against Liverpool.
Antony – 7
In and out of the game. Needlessly gave away possession on some occasions and did well to recycle on others.
Scott McTominay – 6
For the position he played, a bit too much of a passenger as he was supposed to be the link between midfield and attack. Better when he dropped deeper.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
An inch away from getting the shot away that could have been the winner. Had Alexander-Arnold’s number.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
A handful of touches in the first half. Could probably have commanded himself on the Liverpool centre-backs a bit more and pushed into them.
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