Liverpool vs Man United Player Ratings: Maguire’s Masterclass in a Heart-Stopping 2-1 Clash

What a chaotic, breathless encounter at Anfield. From our perspective, this was a classic Premier League smash-and-grab from Manchester United. They landed the first blow almost immediately. Bryan Mbeumo stunned the home crowd, scoring just two minutes in.

After that early shock, Liverpool completely dominated the proceedings. It felt like they were camped in United's half for the rest of the game. They racked up shots, created chances, and rattled the woodwork not once, not twice, but three times through a very unlucky C. Gakpo. You could feel the frustration building around the stadium with every missed opportunity.

Just when it seemed the dam would never break, Gakpo finally got his deserved goal late in the second half, and it felt like Liverpool might even go on to win it. But this is football, and it has a cruel sense of humour. Against the run of play, from a corner, Harry Maguire rose highest to head home a winner for the visitors. It was a dagger to the heart of the home fans, and a moment of sheer ecstasy for the travelling support. This match will be remembered for its relentless drama and that stunning late twist.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Man United

Here are the Liverpool player ratings:

Goalkeeper

Giorgi Mamardashvili - 5.5: We noticed he was a bit shaky. He was left exposed for the first goal inside two minutes. While he made a couple of saves, his distribution was nervy and an error led to a shot. He couldn't do much for the second goal, but it was not a confident display from the keeper. He needed to command his box better on that final corner.

Defenders

Virgil van Dijk - 7.0: The captain was a towering presence as usual. He won almost every aerial duel he contested and made a staggering 13 clearances. From our perspective, he was let down by those around him. He did miss a big chance with a header in the first half, which he'll be annoyed about. Overall, a strong individual performance in a losing effort.

Ibrahima Konaté - 6.5: A mixed bag for the Frenchman. He was generally solid, making some key clearances and even creating a big chance with a brilliant through ball. However, he was part of a defence that looked vulnerable and ultimately conceded twice. He lost a few too many aerial duels for our liking.

Milos Kerkez - 5.5: A difficult afternoon for the full-back. He looked a little out of his depth against United's pace on the break. He lost possession 15 times and was caught out of position on occasion. An error leading to a shot summed up a performance he will want to forget quickly.

Conor Bradley - 6.0: A decent enough showing before being substituted just after the hour mark. He was tidy in possession with a 96% pass accuracy. However, he offered little threat going forward. It was an industrious but ultimately quiet performance from the youngster.

Midfielders

Dominik Szoboszlai - 7.0: The Hungarian was everywhere. He had 90 touches, ran tirelessly, and was always trying to make things happen for his team. His delivery from wide areas wasn't always on point, but his energy and drive were crucial to Liverpool's dominance. He recovered the ball seven times, which shows his commitment.

Alexis Mac Allister - 5.5: We were surprised by how quiet he was. The Argentine World Cup winner just couldn't get into the game. He struggled to exert his usual influence and was hooked after 62 minutes. Not his day at all.

Ryan Gravenberch - 6.0: Similar to Mac Allister, he failed to make a significant impact on the match. He worked hard and made a few tackles, showing some defensive nous. But in a game where Liverpool needed creativity from midfield, he didn't provide the necessary spark. Was substituted at the same time as his midfield partner.

Forwards

C. Gakpo - 8.0: What a strange, brilliant performance. He hit the woodwork an unbelievable three times, a sign of both his threat and his misfortune. He finally got his deserved goal and was a constant thorn in Manchester United's side. If not for the width of the post, he could have had a hat-trick. Liverpool's standout performer by a mile.

Mohamed Salah - 6.5: It was a frustrating day for the Egyptian King. He created four chances for his teammates, showing his vision was still sharp. But he also missed a big chance himself and his shooting was unusually wayward. He just didn't have that clinical edge we've come to expect. Subbed off late on.

Alexander Isak - 5.0: He was a ghost. From our perspective, he offered next to nothing. He had one shot on target but missed a big chance and just couldn't get involved in the play. It was no surprise to see him substituted with 20 minutes to go. A very poor showing.

Substitutes

Hugo Ekitiké - 6.0: Came on and was lively but lacked composure in front of the goal.

Curtis Jones - 6.0: Added some energy but couldn't find the killer pass.

Florian Wirtz - 6.5: Looked bright and played a part in the buildup to the equalising goal.

Federico Chiesa - 7.0: Made an instant impact, setting up the goal for Gakpo. Looked sharp.

Jeremie Frimpong - N/A: Came on too late to make a difference.

Manager

A. Slot - 6.0: His team dominated the ball and created a host of chances. However, their inability to finish cost them dearly. Conceding from a set-piece so late in the game after fighting so hard to get back into it will be a source of immense frustration. Slot's tactics were fine, but the result is a bitter pill to swallow.

Man United Player Ratings vs Liverpool

Here are the Man United player ratings:

Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens - 8.0: What stood out to us was his composure under immense pressure. He made five crucial saves to keep his team in the lead for so long. He commanded his area well, claiming high balls and relieving the pressure on his defence. A fantastic performance between the sticks.

Defenders

Harry Maguire - 8.5: A monstrous performance. He was a rock at the back, making nine clearances and winning his duels. And then, he popped up with the winning goal. A classic, heroic display that reminded everyone of his quality. He dealt with everything Liverpool threw at him and was the match-winner.

Matthijs de Ligt - 6.0: It was a quieter game for the Dutchman alongside Maguire. He did his job without much fuss, but also didn't stand out. He missed a glorious chance to score himself late on. A solid, if unspectacular, outing.

Luke Shaw - 6.5: A typically steady performance from Shaw. He was defensively sound, winning most of his duels and making important clearances. He didn't offer a huge amount going forward, but he didn't need to. His focus was on defending, and he did it well before being subbed off.

Diogo Dalot - 6.5: Had a few shaky moments, including an error that led to a Liverpool shot. However, he redeemed himself with nine clearances and some crucial interventions. It was a busy and challenging afternoon for him, but he stood up to be counted when it mattered.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes - 9.0: Our Man of the Match. He was the architect of this victory. He was everywhere, dictating play, creating chances, and delivering the perfect corner for Maguire's winner. He even hit the post himself. A true captain's performance, full of quality and fighting spirit. Just phenomenal.

Casemiro - 6.5: Did his job effectively before his afternoon was cut short by injury. He was breaking up play and shielding the defence, picking up his customary yellow card in the process. His presence was missed, but he played his part while on the pitch.

Amad Diallo - 7.0: A livewire in the first half. He provided a brilliant assist for the opening goal and looked dangerous every time he got the ball. However, his influence faded, and a yellow card led to him being substituted early in the second half. A promising but short-lived display.

Forwards

Bryan Mbeumo - 7.5: Took his goal with clinical precision inside two minutes, setting the tone for United's smash-and-grab. He remained a threat on the counter-attack throughout the match. He worked hard defensively too, making it a complete performance.

Mason Mount - 6.0: A busy but ineffective performance. He got into good positions but was wasteful, blazing one big chance over the bar. He worked hard for the team but lacked the quality in the final third. Substituted after an hour.

Matheus Cunha - 6.5: A real workhorse up front. He held the ball up well and battled for every ball, but his impact in the final third was limited. He did a lot of the dirty work that allowed others to shine. An unselfish but quiet game in front of goal.

Substitutes

Manuel Ugarte - 6.0: Came on to add defensive stability after Casemiro's injury and did his job well.

Patrick Dorgu - 6.0: Provided fresh legs on the flank and helped see out the win.

Benjamin Sesko - 6.5: Looked like a threat, forcing a save with a good header.

Kobbie Mainoo - N/A: On late to help manage the final minutes.

Leny Yoro - N/A: A late defensive substitution to secure the three points.

Manager

R. Amorim - 8.0: From our perspective, this was a tactical masterclass. He set his team up perfectly to frustrate Liverpool and hit them on the break. His game plan worked to perfection, capped off by a well-worked set-piece goal for the winner. A huge result for him and his team at a very tough venue.