Manchester United suffered self-inflicted wounds on Sunday afternoon when they lost 3-0 to Liverpool.
They have now lost twice in their opening three Premier League games against Erik ten Hag’s side, who fought back for much of the first half before two big mistakes gave them too much of a mountain to overcome.
So, after Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah were on fire at Old Trafford, who were United’s best and worst performers on the day? Thanks to 90 min player ratings, we have the answers.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6/10
Matthijs de Ligt was hopeful for United on Sunday. Making his first start since being signed by Bayern Munich, the Dutchman moved quickly on several occasions to shut down Liverpool’s attackers and faced danger during the opening exchanges.
The former Ajax and Juventus defender was on trial before United conceded the first goal, despite Diaz hiding at the back post.
De Ligt has shown that he has the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League, but that goal and his next club selection are a stark warning that any focus on concentration will be met with no mercy, especially by top teams like Liverpool.
Honorable mention
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
There have been previous games against Liverpool where Bruno Fernandes clearly threw in the towel. A 7-0 defeat a year ago comes to mind.
However, that criticism will not be laid at the door of the Portuguese midfielder this time. While he may not be versatile or inspirational, the 29-year-old has shown his good judgment time and time again as he tries to deploy United’s attacking talents in dangerous areas.
His teammates seem to lack confidence at the moment but Fernandes can pull them out of their slump if he continues to make good passes.
Casemiro – 2/10
United had a fair bit of stability in the game until Casemiro lost focus ten minutes before the break.
The warning signs were there when the Red Devils failed to find a 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. He was then brought down by a Colombian player before grabbing his second goal.
Casemiro has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer and will increase competition for his place now Manuel Ugarte has arrived. But if he continues to throw away disastrous performances like this, there will be few who want to sign him once he leaves United.
Disrespectful remarks
Lisandro Martinez – 4/10
There were a few contenders for the most unnecessary yellow cards in the game here, but Lisandro Martinez’s burst behind Dominik Szoboszlai with the ball probably takes first place.
The Argentinian was also lazy as Diaz hid in the box before hitting the second, carefully marked before the Colombian struck.
When Martinez mixes his tenacity with street smarts, he is arguably one of the most effective defenders in the Premier League, but all was lost on Sunday.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4/10
Kobbie Mainoo showed last season that he can enter 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 constant pressure.
It was Alexis Mac Allister who quickly shut down the youngster before Salah struck. Mainoo was tormented by playing with the chaotic Casemiro before Toby Collyer came on, but his ease and general beauty on the ball was not seen against Liverpool.
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