Manchester United, after an awful start to the season, finally got the Erik ten Hag era underway, and who better to get it underway against than bitter rivals Liverpool.
Jadon Sancho scored excellently in the first half before Marcus Rashford doubled it shortly after half time. Mohamed Salah pulled one back approaching the end, but United held on.
Notably, they played with far greater intensity than in years, clearly a result of Ten Hag’s coaching. Fans protested the Glazer family ownership before the game in another demonstration against the parasites who run the club.
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Here is how UtdDistrict rated the Reds’ performance against Liverpool:
David de Gea - 7/10
Solid performance from the Spaniard, with one moment where he swept in the first half being the standout. Played some nice long balls too.
Made some good saves at the end of the game as Liverpool dominated, was unlucky to concede one.
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Diogo Dalot - 8/10
Dalot produced maybe his best ever defensive performance in a Manchester United shirt, completely locking down the electric Luís Diaz.
From the get go, everything the Colombian forward - a player who goes for everything with maximum intensity - went for, Dalot went to war with him over and he came out on top nearly every time.
Raphaël Varane - 8/10
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Varane made his first start of the season, and after two poor defensive showings from United his presence alone instantly elevated the performance.
Pre-match, Erik ten Hag highlighted his mobility, agility and communication as key factors for his conclusion and all of these qualities were on show.
Varane led the defence, coordinating everything at the back and was equal to absolutely everything Liverpool threw at him, on the ground and in the air. Colossal performance.
Lisandro Martínez - 8.5/10
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After Jamie Carragher comically claimed he cannot succeed as a 5’9 centre half in the Premier League, Lisandro Martínez shut him up (hopefully for good) with an absolutely monstrous performance.
From the beginning, ‘The Butcher’ was flying into every challenge as if his own life was on the line, and on the ball was his usual excellent self. The fight in him is just unmatched..
The Argentine made multiple crucial blocks, including an unexpected goal line clearance to stop a Bruno Fernandes own goal. Clear that he and Varane are United’s best partnership.
Tyrell Malacia - 8/10
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After two poor performances from Luke Shaw, Malacia made his competitive debut for Manchester United and did not disappoint at all.
His intensity contributed to United’s more alert and energetic performance and he kept arguably the best forward in the Premier League in Mohamed Salah mostly quiet in their duels.
Scott McTominay - 7/10
Much improved return to the lineup for Scott McTominay after he was dropped last week following a poor opening day showing.
The Scotsman brought his typical fight to the midfield battle and put it to good use, whilst remaining secure in possession.
Christian Eriksen - 7/10
Much improved performance from the one against Brentford, Eriksen showed great quality playing deep from the start for United.
Out of possession he showed he still has an excellent engine, often seen sprinting around and engaging in United’s press. Unpicked Liverpool’s defence to release Elanga for Sancho’s goal.
Jadon Sancho - 8.5/10
Scored an absolutely wondrous goal to put United 1-0 up, completely sitting James Milner down and embarrassing Liverpool’s defence.
Outside of the goal, he defended very well when Liverpool had the ball and when it was at his feet was his usual composed yet dazzling self. Brilliant performance.
Bruno Fernandes - 7/10
Lead United’s press very well as captain on the night and was extremely unlucky to not have an early assist for Anthony Elanga.
Nearly had an embarrassing own goal which Lisandro Martínez had to save him from, and never made too much impact on the ball.
Anthony Elanga - 6.5/10
Got the assist for Sancho, but should have scored one of his own shortly before. Brought a lot of energy but never truly got into the game. Subbed at half time for Martial.
Marcus Rashford - 9/10
Man of the match. Rashford loves a goal against Liverpool at Old Trafford, and was at his brilliant best tonight when Anthony Martial released him through on goal, slotting it past Alisson cleverly.
The goal clearly had a huge impact on his confidence, with him playing like the Rashford we know and love right after it. Hopefully a turning point for him.
Substitutes:
Anthony Martial - 8/10
It took less than 10 minutes of being on the pitch to show why he is so important to Erik ten Hag, as he pounced on a loose touch from Jordan Henderson and released Marcus Rashford to put United 2-0 up.
Just links everything together in attack so beautifully, should start every game from now on.
Fred - 7/10
The arrival of his Brazil partner, Casemiro, has already improved him it seems. Brings so much energy to the midfield and today put it to best use.
Cristiano Ronaldo - N/A
Had one half chance which he bravely took on. Not too involved as United defended otherwise.
Donny van de Beek - N/A
Helped to retain the ball that extra second and slow things down when needed.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - N/A
Brought on to see out the game and did so successfully.
Featured Image Credit: Manchester UnitedTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Liverpool, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Jadon Sancho, Football