Marcus Rashford given thankless task by negative Man United in our player ratings

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  • Liverpool’s Xherdan Shaqiri rose from the bench to secure three vital points and bragging rights over rivals Manchester United after his double sealed a 3-1 win at Anfield.

    Sadio Mane had expertly opened the scoring in the 24th minute after athletically finishing from Fabinho’s delicately lofted ball into the penalty box.

    The lead would only last nine minutes, however, as Alisson spilled a Romelu Lukaku cross to allow Jesse Lingard to slot home United’s equaliser.

    But the home side were rewarded for their attacking and possession dominance as second-half substitute Shaqiri’s two deflected strikes, one in the 73rd minute and the second in the 80th minute, saw Liverpool return to the top of the Premier League.

    Here are the United player ratings from a game to forget:

    MANCHESTER UNITED (4-4-1-1)

    David De Gea – 7: Why is the Spain No1 wasting his time at this United? Was pummelled by Liverpool, one superb low stop from Roberto Firmino being the highlight.

    Matteo Darmian – 6: The Italy right-back was a surprise starter at Anfield as Mourinho looked to the few players he considers dependable. Didn’t embarrass himself, with tactical weaknesses in midfield key.

    Eric Bailly – 7: Drafted in at the last second after Chris Smalling fell foul of injury in the warm-up. Made the most interceptions and tackles. Unfortunate to deflect the third in.

    Victor Lindelof – 5: Was back in the United XI for the first time since November 24’s injury against Crystal Palace. Absentmindedly lost the ball to Mohamed Salah, but wasn’t punished.

    Ashley Young – 5: Mixed bag from the England veteran. Fell asleep to let Mane waltz in, unopposed, for the breakthrough. In second half, blocked Mane when another seemed certain.

    Diogo Dalot – 5: Adventurous Portuguese youngster was stationed on the right wing for the first half. But game passed him by and he was hooked at the interval.

    Ander Herrera – 3: It is not Herrera’s fault that his score is so low. Was instructed to back off and flood the penalty box, causing Liverpool to thrash in more than 30 attempts on goal.

    Nemanja Matic – 3: A similar tale for Matic. The Serbia anchor man stood no chance of imposing himself when tasked to be so docile at the home of your club’s great enemy.

    Marcus Rashford – 7: United’s negligible tactics in attack seemed to be lump the ball into the channel, let Rashford run with it and see what happens. A, truly, thankless task

    Jesse Lingard – 5: Stayed sharp and gambled on the spill from Alisson for the – undeserved – leveller. Then frustratingly failed to showcase any real quality in United’s few moments of attacking intent.

    Romelu Lukaku – 6: Did well to run the channel and put in the centre that Brazil’s No1 failed to deal with. Otherwise, the £75 million striker appeared to be an afterthought in Mourinho’s defensive mindframe.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Marouane Fellaini – 5: Miscued shot which threatened a throw-in and Liverpool’s second-half onslaught highlighted Fellaini’s ineffectiveness.

    Anthony Martial – N/A: The France forward – recovered from injury – had six touches.

    Juan Mata – N/A: Thrown on instead of persona non grata, Paul Pogba. No impact in few minutes he had.

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