Manchester United were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the 24th minute but nine minutes later, Jesse Lingard fired an equaliser after Alisson made a mistake on the ball. In the second half, two goals from substitute Xherdan Shaqiri won the game for the home side, who had not beaten United at Anfield since March 2016 in the Europa League, September 2013 in the Premier League.
What a cowardly performance from United. It was great that Jesse Lingard scored that equaliser but looking at the lack of desire, ambition and ability after that, it seemed like it was just a fluke rather than something United had the desire to do. United have spent hundreds of millions in redeveloping this club after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. It seems like money has been wasted at every opportunity. United may need to go back to basics now.
I don’t know how things can improve from that showing against a team that is in so much of a better position than United in terms of development. When you look at the money Liverpool have spent recently, you also see the quality that has been added to their team. When you look at the money United have spent, you confuse yourself a lot more looking for the quality. Spending money does not guarantee quality. Roy Keane said these United players have given everything, some of them clearly have nothing to offer.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Made eight saves during the entire match against Liverpool. Conceded three goals. Had no chance to save Shaqiri's goals or Mane's goal. Sold out by his defence at times. If De Gea leaves United, they will be lost without him and will never find a capable replacement the longer the club falls into the doldrums.
Matteo Darmian
Started in a back three, finished as the right-back in a back four. United conceded more goals with four defenders at the back. Got involved with tackles and interceptions but it was clearly not enough for United to weather the threat of Liverpool.
2 Victor Lindelof
Great to see him make himself available after returning from injury. There were a few moments of nervousness, possible due to a lack of match fitness after a period on the sidelines. Was settled at times in the game. It is a poor result for this team.
3 Eric Bailly
Came in after an injury to Smalling in the warm up. Helped Liverpool go 3-1 up from a deflection because he tried to get himself between Shaqiri and the ball. It happens. Needs to play more in this team so the defence can settle. It seems obvious that new additions may not be forthcoming.
Diogo Dalot
The Portuguese defender is a breath of fresh air but is largely inexperienced. Hooked at half-time. He was injured ahead of this game, missing the Valencia match during the week. With more experience, his position in the team will be sealed.
31 Nemanja Matic
Struggled to regain possession when Liverpool had the ball. Put himself in the way for many Liverpool attempts. One of the trusted players by Mourinho this season.
21 Ander Herrera
Worked hard during the game. However, defensively, he was poor at times. United not building on possession gave Liverpool control for the majority of the game.
18 Ashley Young
Cleared the ball off the line which stopped Liverpool from getting out of sight early in the game. Mane had the better of him a few times. Liverpool's second goal came as a deflection off Young. Not his fault, just one of those things.
14 Jesse Lingard
Scored the equaliser for United after a mistake form Alisson. Put in a great cross in the second half but it was too high for Lukaku to do anything with. Was missing in the second half as Liverpool turned on the charm to get the win.
Romelu Lukaku
Put the cross into the box which Alisson made a mistake trying to gather. Had little supply and tried to get the better of the wrong defender for the majority of the time. United created little and did not supply much to Lukaku, which has been the case since he arrived.
10 Marcus Rashford
Worked hard throughout the match. Even got involved in the defensive aspect of the game, which was pretty much for the majority of the game. Looked sharp and ready to get stuck in for United but at times, he was outnumbered.
Substitutes
27 Marouane Fellaini
Replaced Dalot 46'. Mourinho changed the entire formation during the half time break. Fellaini replaced Dalot. The Belgian won some headers and tackles but did nothing to avert the danger or make United threaten Liverpool. Seems out of his depth at the moment, despite being a player that can change a game, at times anyway.
9 Anthony Martial
Replaced Herrera 79'. Probably not fit enough to start. United were 2-1 down on his introduction. The Frenchman did not test Liverpool's defence or the goalkeeper.
8 Juan Mata
Replaced Lingard 85'. The Spanish midfielder barely saw the ball. The damage was done before he was brought onto the pitch.
Goals: Sadio Mane 24′, Xherdan Shaqiri 73′, 80′; Jesse Lingard 33′
Assists: Fabinho 24′, Mohamed Salah 80′
Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Bailly, Lindelof; Dalot (Fellaini 46′), Matic, Herrera (Martial 79′), Young; Lingard (Mata85′), Lukaku, Rashford
Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Jones, Valencia; Pogba
Bookings: Diogo Dalot 26′, Romelu Lukaku 40′
