Manchester United suffered a few self-inflicted wounds on Sunday afternoon as they slipped to a dispiriting 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
It’s now two losses from their opening three Premier League games for Erik ten Hag’s side, who battled for most of the first half before two major individual mistakes gave them a mountain which was simply too massive to overcome.
So, after Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah ran riot at Old Trafford, who were United’s best and worst performers on the day? Thanks to 90min’s player ratings, we’ve got the answers.
Man Utd’s best player vs Liverpool
Matthijs de Ligt – 6/10
Matthijs de Ligt was a positive for United on Sunday. Making his first start since signing from Bayern Munich, the Dutchman moved quickly on a few occasions to close down Liverpool’s attackers and dealt with danger well during the opening exchanges.
The former Ajax and Juventus defender was standing up to the test well before United gave away the first goal, with no attention being paid to the back post when Diaz was lurking to head home.
De Ligt showed he has the necessary qualities to succeed in the Premier League, but that goal and his side’s subsequent capitulation is a stark warning that any lapse in concentration will be met without mercy, especially by top teams like Liverpool.
Honourable mention
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
There have been previous games against Liverpool where Bruno Fernandes has clearly thrown in the towel. The 7-0 loss a little over a year ago certainly springs to mind.
However, that criticism cannot be laid at the Portuguese midfielder’s doorstep this time. While hardly at his most creative or inspiring, the 29-year-old showed his exquisite vision time and time again as he tried to get United’s attacking talents into dangerous positions.
His colleagues look like they’re lacking in confidence right now but Fernandes may be able to lift them out of their slump if he can keep pulling out brilliant passes.
Man Utd’s worst player vs Liverpool
Casemiro – 2/10
United had a reasonable foothold in the game until Casemiro lost concentration ten minutes before the break.
The warning signs had been there with the Red Devils failing to find much rhythm in the middle of the park but the Brazilian ensured his side fell behind by giving the ball away before Salah crossed for Diaz. He was then hustled out of possession by the Colombian before he grabbed his second goal.
Casemiro was linked with an Old Trafford exit over the summer and will have increased competition for his place now Manuel Ugarte has arrived. But if he keeps dropping disastrous showings like this, there’ll be few suitors for his signature once he does leave United.
Lisandro Martinez – 4/10
There were a couple of contenders for most unnecessary yellow card of the match here, but Lisandro Martinez clattering into the back of Dominik Szoboszlai with the ball long gone probably takes first place.
The Argentina international was also a little sluggish as Diaz prowled in the box before scoring his second, with more attentive marking needed before the Colombian struck.
When Martinez mixes his tenacity with street smarts, he’s undoubtedly one of the more effective centre-backs in the Premier League, but it was all missing on Sunday.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4/10
Kobbie Mainoo showed last season he can turn up for this fixture. A lack of effort will never be an issue with the England international, but there’s no doubt he struggled in the face of Liverpool’s relentless pressing.
It was Alexis Mac Allister who quickly closed the teenager down before Salah struck. Mainoo was hamstrung by playing with a chaotic Casemiro before Toby Collyer came on, but his usual ease and elegance on the ball was nowhere to be seen against Liverpool.
