Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Marcus Rashford was once again the man of the moment, opening the scoring in the 14th minute, assisted by Romelu Lukaku, doubling the lead on the 24th minute of the match.
Key Moments:
14′ Marcus Rashford, assisted by Romelu Lukaku, opened the scoring for Manchester United, running up the flank and pressuring Trent Alexander-Arnold, tricking him and beating Loris Karius from long-range striker his shot into the far corner of the goal. United were 1-0 up over Liverpool.
24′ Marcus Rashford once again scored at Old Trafford after some good interplay between Romelu Lukaku and Juan Mata. Rashford struck inside the box, again across the goal and into the far corner.
38′ Juan Mata had the chance to put Manchester United 3-0 up after Alexis Sanchez set him up in the box. The acrobatic finish was off target despite it seeming like the Spaniard had beaten Loris Karius. It was some miss for United.
66′ Eric Bailly scored an own goal for Liverpool after Saido Mane put a cross into the area and the Ivorian miskicked his clearance. David De Gea got a touch on the ball before it hit the back of the net. Liverpool were back in the game. Mourinho made his final change deep in stoppage time with Matteo Darmian replacing Sanchez.
Man of the Match: Marcus Rashford
It was his first start in the Premier League in 2018 and Jose Mourinho will be happy with the 20-year-old, who just over two years into his Manchester United career has shown his skills once again. The first goal in the 14th minute was a sublime finish, beating Trent Alexander-Arnold and firing a long-range shot into the far corner of the goal. His second goal was more of the same, just a little closer.
Rashford is a big talent and the likes of Jamie Redknapp criticise him far too much. If Redknapp knew anything substantial about football, he would be a manager or a coach, but he’s a pundit. Rashford, despite suffering from an injury earlier in the year, has been brought back in slowly, his form did not help that. Today, he has shown just what he’s capable of.
Match Statistics:
Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool pic.twitter.com/ISOmZM0m6a
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Manchester United
1 David De Gea
The Spnish number one hardly had anything to do against this Liverpool side who apparently score goals for fun. Conceded a goal after Bailly misjudged Mane's cross. Liverpool rarely threatened.
25 Antonio Valencia
Booked for a poor challenge and could have given away a penalty after a handball, although I thought it was ball to hand. Not the best of performances but the three points matter.
3 Eric Bailly
Had a great performance despite not playing many minutes since his return from long-term injury. Unfortunate to score an own goal but in fairness it didn't look like Liverpool were ever going to score.
12 Chris Smalling
Seemed to be comfortable with Bailly next to him. I would still like to see Bailly and Lindelof in defence to see how good a partnership it could be.
18 Ashley Young
Young kept Salah at bay, in fact I hope he takes him out of his pocket before his shorts are washed. I still would like to see Shaw given more time in this role.
31 Nemanja Matic
The Serbian put in an effective performance against Liverpool, one of the most attacking sides in the Premier League this season. Scored the winner on Monday, mopped up for his side in their victory today. Great buy in the summer.
39 Scott McTominay
Many suggest hes not a good player but they obviously don't know how to judge a footballer. McTominay displayed a mature performance against Liverpool and did everything he needed to do. To think there were supporters thinking that with Pogba and Martial out of action, United would not win. Have some beliefe.
8 Juan Mata
The intelligence in his game is crucial to United's performances this season. Could have scored a sublime goal before half time. Mata does not have pace, but he makes up for that in many other areas.
7 Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean is finding some form at United now. Mourinho stated that he would be much better next season but the player showed glimpses of his special ability against Liverpool.
10 Marcus Rashford
Man of the Match for me. is two goals were great and it really hit back at the pundits suggesting he would have to leave United to make it as a footballer. First Premier League start of 2018. He's now scored goals against Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea - all of them decent goals. The lad is going to be a star.
9 Romelu Lukaku
To say Lukaku does nothing makes me wonder what the ones saying it know about him, football and any team he has played for. The Belgian dominated Liverpool's defence throughout the game, opening up space and even tracking back and helping his team. They say Harry Kane is the best striker in the Premier League - bullshit!
Substitutes
27 Marouane Fellaini
Replaced Rashford 70'. The Belgian, back from injury, did what he needed to do in order to ensure United beat Liverpool and went five points clear of them. Battled in attack and defence.
14 Jesse Lingard
Replaced Mata 88'. Had eight minutes on the pitch, including six minutes of stoppage time. Helped his team win the game by keeping the ball fluid at times.
36 Matteo Darmian
Replaced Sanchez 90+6'. The whistle was blown shortly after he got onto the pitch.
Goals: Marcus Rashford 14′, 24′
Assists: Romelu Lukaku 14′
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Young; Matic, McTominay; Mata (Lingard 88′), Sanchez (Darmian 90+6), Rashford (Fellaini 70′); Lukaku
Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Lindelof, Shaw; Carrick
Bookings: Marcus Rashford 27′, Antonio Valencia 89′
