Man United player ratings as two-goal Marcus Rashford fully justifies rare start

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  • Marcus Rashford sweeps in a superb goal for Manchester United against Liverpool in the Premier League.

    Marcus Rashford scored two first-half goals upon his first Premier League start since December 26 to earn Manchester United a tense 2-1 victory against great rivals Liverpool.

    In this contest to claim second place, the hosts at Old Trafford raced out the blocks. England forward Rashford showcased sublime skill and finishing to lash in the 14-minute opener, before sweeping home via a deflection 10 minutes later off the sorry Reds right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

    United only had 32-per-cent possession, but Liverpool could only score once – a 66th-minute own goal from returning Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly. They also saw penalty claims waived away for an Antonio Valencia handball and collision involving Sadio Mane and Marouane Fellaini.

    Here is our United player ratings

    MAN UNITED 4-2-3-1

    David De Gea – 6: Showed uncharacteristic hesitancy on few occasions loose ball came his way. Otherwise, no need for the spectacular.

    Antonio Valencia – 7: Wasn’t forced to strain every sinew to keep Liverpool out. But was lucky not to concede penalty for handball from Sadio Mane’s cross.

    Eric Bailly – 5: Brushing off rust upon first start since November 5. Was all over the place for his own goal. Injury only added to the torment.

    Chris Smalling – 6: The fact Liverpool only wanted to play in front of him made it an easy day for error-prone centre-back.

    Ashley Young – 7: Didn’t let Mohamed Salah out of his sight. Did a difficult job effectively – and that’s all you can say.

    Scott McTominay – 7: Made a joint-team-high five interceptions, notched 88.9-per-cent pass accuracy and bossed opposite numbers. Passionate celebrations showed what this meant.

    Nemanja Matic – 7: No spectacular late winners this time, but his controlling display was much improved from poor performance at Crystal Palace.

    Juan Mata – 7: Adds a cerebral air to the United attack. Went close to scoring another bicycle kick against Liverpool.

    Alexis Sanchez – 6: United career still awaits defining moment. Not helped by the aversion to possession demanded by manager Mourinho’s tactics. Strangely muted and still finding his place.

    Marcus Rashford – 8: Upon first start since January 26, exposed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s naivety. Cut-back and shot for first was excellent, second went in via a deflection. 

    Romelu Lukaku – 8: Spoke recently of his newfound joy about assists and set-up Rashford perfectly. Performed key role in game plan.

    SUBS

    Marouane Fellaini – 6: Brought on to see United regain the advantage in the physical battle. On another day, could have conceded a penalty for collision with Mane.

    Jesse Lingard – N/A: Given a few minutes at the death to see job through.

    Matteo Darmian – N/A: Ate up time after Mohamed Salah’s wild shot in final seconds.

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