Manchester United suffered a few self-inflicted wounds on Sunday afternoon as they slumped to a disheartening 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.
It’s now two defeats from their opening three Premier League games for Erik ten Hag’s side, who struggled for most of the first half before two big individual mistakes gave them a mountain that was too massive to overcome – her
So, after Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah crumbled at Old Trafford, who were United’s best and worst players on the day? Thanks to 90 minutes player ratingswe have the answers.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6/10
Matthijs de Ligt was positive for United on Sunday. In his first start since signing from Bayern Munich, the Dutchman moved quickly on a few occasions to shut down Liverpool’s forwards and dealt well with danger in the opening exchanges.
The ex-Ajax and Juventus defender stood up to the test quite a while ago united provided the opener, failing to pay attention to the back post as Diaz was lurking to head home.
De Ligt showed that he has the necessary qualities to succeed in the Premier Leaguebut this goal and his team’s subsequent capitulation is a strong warning that any break in concentration will be dealt with mercilessly, especially by top teams like Liverpool.
Honorable Mention
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
There have been previous games against Liverpool where Bruno Fernandes has clearly thrown in the towel. The 7-0 defeat from just over a year ago certainly comes to mind.
However, this criticism cannot be leveled at the Portuguese midfielder this time. While hardly the most creative or inspiring, the 29-year-old showed his exquisite vision time and time again as he tried to put United’s attacking talents into dangerous positions.
His colleagues seem to lack confidence right now, but Fernandes can pull them out of their slump if he can continue to make brilliant passes.
Casemiro – 2/10
United had a reasonable starting point in the game until Casemiro lost concentration ten minutes before the break.
The warning signs had been there with the Red Devils not finding much rhythm in the middle of the park, but the Brazilian made sure his side fell behind by giving the ball away before Salah crossed for Diaz. The Colombian then kicked him out of possession before scoring his second goal.
Casemiro was linked with an exit from Old Trafford in the summer and will have increased competition for his place now that Manuel Ugarte has arrived. But if he continues with disastrous performances like this, there will be few suitors for his signature once he leaves United.
Dishonorable mentions
Lisandro Martinez – 4/10
There were a couple of contenders for the most needless yellow card of the match here, but Lisandro Martinez’s tackle on Dominik Szoboszlai with the ball gone probably takes the top spot.
The Argentina international was also a bit slow as Diaz roamed the area before scoring his second, with more careful marking before the Colombian struck.
When Martinez mixes his tenacity with street smarts, he is undoubtedly one of the most effective centre-backs in the Premier League, but on Sunday it was all missing.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4/10
Kobbie Mainoo showed last season that he can show up for this game. A lack of effort will never be a problem for the England international, but there is no doubt that he struggled in the face of Liverpool’s relentless pressure.
It was Alexis Mac Allister who quickly shut down the teenager before Salah struck. Mainoo was affected by playing a chaotic Casemiro before Toby Collyer came on, but his usual ease and elegance on the ball was nowhere to be seen against Liverpool.
