Harry Maguire’s late goal secured a shock 2-1 victory for Manchester United over reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, who suffered their fourth consecutive defeat despite Cody Gakpo’s efforts.
Player ratingsĀ
Giorgi Mamardashvili (6/10)
The goalkeeper lacked consistent confidence throughout the game and was beaten at his near post for Mbeumo’s opening goal, suggesting he could have positioned himself better.
Conor Bradley (5/10)
Selected in the backline, Bradley put in an average shift. He avoided major errors but failed to deliver a performance strong enough to genuinely challenge his positional competitors, Szboszlai and Frimpong.
Ibrahima Konate (7/10)
Despite being responsible for playing Mbeumo onside for United’s opener by following the runner, Konate recovered well and was arguably Liverpool’s most reliable and best defender during a difficult first half.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10)
As captain, he will know he should have done significantly better, particularly when Mbeumo was allowed to ghost in behind him to score the opening goal and break the deadlock.
Milos Kerkez (5/10)
Had a very shaky day, being openly described as “a nervous wreck” by pundit Jamie Redknapp at halftime. He visibly struggled to contain Amad’s threat on his flank.
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10)
Looked to be growing into an influential role in midfield, but his performance was cut short. He was later substituted as the manager made changes to chase a much-needed equalising goal.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10)
A steady, rather than spectacular, outing from the Hungary international. His versatility was later used when he was moved to a right-back role as Liverpool pressed forward for a result.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10)
The midfielder again failed to reach the high standards of his prior season and had one of his least effective games before he was eventually replaced.
Mohamed Salah (5/10)
Usually United’s primary tormentor, Salah endured a quiet and frustrating afternoon, missing a golden opportunity by firing wide at the back post just after the hour mark. Another blank in his scoring record.
Cody Gakpo (7/10) – Star Performer
Unquestionably Liverpool’s best attacking threat. Gakpo showed great persistence, being denied a deserved goal by the woodwork three times before finally popping up late on to score the initial leveller.
Alexander Isak (5/10)
The record signing failed to impress on the big stage, looking ineffective throughout the game and failing to provide the attacking fire needed in the final third.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones (6/10)
Injected some energy into the side when he was thrown into the action, making a positive impact as the team fought to salvage something from the match.
Florian Wirtz (6/10)
Though benched for a second consecutive game, he got involved quickly but wasn’t quite the decisive catalyst the team needed for a memorable comeback.
Hugo Ekitike (6/10)
The forward provided a welcome injection of urgency into Liverpool’s frontline and could potentially feel hard done by not to have earned a starting spot based on previous displays.
Federico Chiesa (6/10)
The substitute made an immediate and major impact on the game by delivering the crucial low cross that set up Gakpo for his first-time leveller.
Jeremie Frimpong (N/A)
Only entered the game as a late substitute during the frantic final minutes, giving him too little time to register a meaningful contribution or rating.