Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool – Premier League LFC Player Ratings

The reds came to Old Trafford and perhaps left feeling that the score did not fully reflect the battering they delivered to their biggest historical rivals. Though score line was still sublime, the way in which the red men swatted away the devils in red, was quite amazing to view and marked a huge promise of things to come under new leadership.

Liverpool, not Manchester United, that is.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian was largely untroubled in the first half and handled everything by hand or by foot that was asked of him. His first real significant work was to dispel a point-blank header in the second half, as his team took the game, spirit, and life, away from the shell-shocked hosts. It was comfortable and uneventful for the former Roma stopper.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

The England superstar was reliable and resolute throughout, as the pace of the United attack was maintained despite a want to test the 26-year-old and his supposed defensive deficiencies. The control and ability on the ball of the fabled 66 was never more mature, as the vice-captain dominated through this game. An early goal was chalked off for off side, which did nothing to dampen down a very fine outing.

Subbed – 75 mins

Andy Robertson – 8.0

The Scotland international captain has been more solid than ever in these opening clutches of games, as control of the pitch is being maintained with more precise intent. The former Hull man had very little to worryingly deal with, as the reds had their way with a timid looking Manchester United unable to match an elite side. The shift into an ever adjusting back three is making certain areas more covered.

Subbed – 83 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The France international defender was aggressive and dominant in his work, as the high balls were dealt with and the through balls intercepted. The physical prowess of the man mountain was plain for all to see, as he batted away everything that came his way. A guaranteed starter again.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was commanding and vocal throughout, as he marched his team around Old Trafford like they owned the place. There was little to deal with in the first hour, as the real tests did not truly arrive until his side was 0-3 up. The world’s best defender.

Ryan Gravenberch – 9.0

The Dutch midfielder was simply irresistible. The first half performance was a mixture of superb positional sense and exceptional passing range. With a confidence and high-level ability to control the game, he dog walked the United midfield like a prime Xabi Alonso. The need to be a stationary number six was not a requirement in this encounter, as the former Bayern Munich man was able to push on and dictate varying patterns of play. Simply brilliant.

⭐ Man of the match

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0

The Argentina World Cup winner is the perfect foil for anyone, whether it be an enforcer or his current roaming double pivot partner, Ryan Gravenberch. With an ability to adjust the tempo of the game, the former Brighton man was the steady entity that worked endlessly to make sure his teammates were serviced throughout. Superb and one of the key components in this regeneration.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian captain should have scored a late goal, if not for some overplay and arrogance. Other than that, the work rate and desire of the monstrous footballing specimen was unmatched by a United midfield that could not keep pace with the powerhouse attacking midfielder.

Luis Díaz – 9.0

The Colombian flyer scored a double that took everything away from the ordinary opponents of Manchester. His clinical edge and close-range double were clearly something that has been worked on in training, as he finds himself more and more as the final part of an attacking game. The header was firm and the right footed strike sublime in yet another super performance. Tremendous form and endeavour.

Subbed – 66 mins

Diogo Jota – 8.0

The Portuguese poacher was workmanlike and a constant irritation for the wide-eyed defensive group he faced. As a foil for others, the former Wolves man is supplying a constant outlet that can be whatever is required for the team. The goals will inevitably come; however, the overall game of the bustling striker is becoming more rounded by the week.

Subbed – 76 mins

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was again brilliant and crucial to success. He was the provider for the first two goals (with wonderful vision), before scoring a clinical effort to end the match. The evolving game of the record-breaking wide forward is a marvel to behold, as he continues to strive on as the untouchable world class talent. Irresistible.

Substitues:

Cody Gakpo – 7.0 (on 66)

Came on to add more variety.

Darwin Núñez – 7.0 (on 76)

Came on to add power and pace.

Conor Bradley – 7.0 (on 76)

Came on to add a wider and more direct option.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0 (on 83)

Came on.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 10.0

The Dutch manager went about his work like a seasoned and world-renowned Head Coach, one that was always at ease. To come to Old Trafford and overthrow his fellow countryman’s team is a statement of intent, one that allows the disappointment of the transfer window to fade into the jubilant chorus of song.

The team selection was again perfect and the substitutes seem to come in when the boss is confident that the job is done.

An emphatic day and a glorious start to life at Anfield.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Manchester United 1 – 3 Liverpool