The Frenchman commanded the Red Devils’ conservative yet intelligent performance as they finally avoided defeat against a top side
No one dreams about picking up a 0-0 draw, but given what Manchester United have been through lately, Sunday’s often dull stalemate against Liverpool felt like a victory. Erik ten Hag’s side defended like troopers and Raphael Varane, who had been marginalised for much of the previous six weeks, was their general at the back, helped by his ever-reliable assistant Jonny Evans.
The pair were alert to every moment of danger Liverpool posed and made sure they left Anfield unscathed, a huge relief given how they were destroyed 7-0 on their last visit to enemy territory.And they even had a chance to win it when Rasmus Hojlund bore down on goal but could not beat Alisson midway through the second half. They did, however, finish the game with 10 men after Diogo Dalot was sent off in stoppage-time for dissent.
Goalkeeper & DefenceAndre Onana (6/10):Had a shaky start when he flapped at a corner but made a fine save from Van Dijk and his passing, even if it was inconsistent, helped United slow the game down.Diogo Dalot (6/10):Focused mostly on defending and did a good job of it until he got himself sent off for two senseless acts of dissent.Jonny Evans (8/10):Set the tone with a crucial sliding clearance, and was fully-focused and alert to the danger all game.Raphael Varane (8/10):Gave a reminder of how good he is at anticipating danger. A top-class performance, the type he has delivered throughout his trophy-laden career.Luke Shaw (7/10):Brave and intelligent.
MidfieldKobbie Mainoo (7/10):Became youngest United player to start at Anfield in the Premier League and delivered a very mature performance. Bravely blocked a goalbound shot from Gravenberch. Got booked but otherwise kept a cool head.Sofyan Amrabat (6/10):Looked like the weak link due to his lack of pace but steadied himself and grew into the game.Scott McTominay (6/10):Didn’t see much of the ball, although did play fine pass to Hojlund.
AttackAntony (6/10):Worked very hard and defended with intelligence. Showed flashes of promise in attack.Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):Had hardly any touches and wasted the one chance he got which will haunt him until he finally breaks his Premier League goal duck.Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):Kept getting muscled off the ball. Had one effort on goal which he skied over the bar.
Subs & ManagerMarcus Rashford (5/10):Barely got involved in an attacking sense and got booked.Hannibal Mejbri (N/A):Came on in the 82nd minute and focused on seeing the draw out.Facundo Pellistri (N/A):Came on in the 82nd minute.Erik ten Hag (7/10):Everyone was expecting a bloodbath but his gameplan paid off handsomely.