Erik ten Hag’s team has now dropped their first three Premier League games. They fought hard for the whole of the first half, but two costly individual errors gave them a mountain that was just too big to climb.
So, who were United’s greatest and worst players of the day at Old Trafford after Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz went crazy? The player ratings from 90min have given us the answers.
Man Utd’s best player vs Liverpool
Matthijs de Ligt – 6/10
On Sunday, Matthijs de Ligt was beneficial to United. The Dutchman, who was making his first start since joining from Bayern Munich, moved fast on a few occasions to shut off Liverpool’s attackers and handled danger effectively in the early going.
Long before United handed up the first goal, the former Ajax and Juventus defender was very than capable of handling the pressure. When Diaz was about to head home, nobody was paying any attention to the back post.
De Ligt demonstrated that he had the skills needed to succeed in the Premier League, but the goal and his team’s subsequent surrender serve as a sobering reminder that any moment of distraction will be punished with stern punishment, particularly with elite teams such as Liverpool.
Honourable mention
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
Bruno Fernandes has visibly given up on the match in prior encounters with Liverpool. Of course, the 7-0 setback from a little more than a year ago comes to mind.
That criticism, though, cannot be directed this time at the Portuguese midfield player. Despite not being his most imaginative or motivating, the 29-year-old consistently demonstrated his exceptional vision as he attempted to put United’s attacking players in perilous situations.
Fernandes’ teammates appear to be lacking confidence at the moment, but if he can continue to make wonderful passes, he could be able to get them out of their current rut.
Man Utd’s worst player vs Liverpool
Casemiro – 2/10
Ten minutes before halftime, Casemiro lost focus, giving United a reasonable lead in the match.
The Red Devils’ inability to establish any rhythm in the middle of the field presented warning flags, but the Brazilian made sure his team lost the lead by throwing the ball away before Salah crossed for Diaz. The Colombian then hustled him out of the game before he could score his second.
Since Manuel Ugarte’s arrival, Casemiro will have more competition for his spot at Old Trafford, as he was rumored to be leaving. However, when he does decide to leave United, there won’t be many bidders for his signing if he continues to put up terrible performances like this.
Dishonourable mentions
Lisandro Martinez – 4/10
Although there were a few candidates for most needless yellow card of the game, Lisandro Martinez’s collision with Dominik Szoboszlai’s back after the ball had already left the field is likely the winner.
Before scoring his second goal, Diaz prowled around the box and the Argentina international looked a touch lethargic. More careful marking was required before the Colombian scored.
Martinez is unquestionably one of the Premier League’s most successful center backs when he combines his toughness with street smarts, but on Sunday, it was all absent.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4/10
Last season, Kobbie Mainoo demonstrated his ability to attend this match. The England international will never be accused of not trying hard enough, but there’s no denying that he had difficulty against Liverpool’s constant pressure.
Before Salah scored, Alexis Mac Allister swiftly shut down the teenager. Before Toby Collyer entered the game, Mainoo was hindered by a disorganized Casemiro, but his customary grace and ease with the ball were absent versus Liverpool.
