Liverpool player ratings vs Manchester United: Kerkez struggles as Salah and Isak left frustrated | OneFootball

Another disappointing outing for Arne Slot’s side as a number of key players fail to perform at Anfield

Harry Maguire’s late header consigned Liverpool to their fourth successive loss in all competitions as Manchester United sealed their first win at Anfield since 2016.

On a damning afternoon, it was a nightmare start for Liverpool as Bryan Mbuemo fired United into the lead inside two minutes, and while Cody Gakpo hit the post, they should have found themselves 2-0 down as Bruno Fernandes shot wide after being found free inside the area by Amad.

Liverpool pushed for an equaliser in the second-half and finally broke United’s resolve when Gakpo tapped home Federico Chiesa’s ball across the box in the 78th minute

Liverpool, though, for the first time since Arne Slot took charge last season, are in the midst of a crisis of confidence, and Maguire rose highest to seal all three points for United six minutes later.

Sam Tabuteau was at Anfield to rate the Liverpool players...

Giorgi Mamardashvili 5

Should arguably have kept out Mbeumo’s opener from a tight angle. Made a couple of smart saves, moments after nearly gifting Mount a tap-in from yards out.

Conor Bradley 5

Wasn’t able to get up in support of Liverpool’s attack as much as he would have liked, and was withdrawn midway through the second-half.

Ibrahima Konate 4

His form has tailed off this season, and he let Maguire tower over him to head home the winning goal. The Frenchman was sloppy in possession. His 84% pass accuracy paled in comparison to Van Dijk, who had a 94% pass accuracy while playing the most passes into the final third of any Liverpool player.

Virgil Van Dijk 6

The movement of Cunha and Mbeumo caused him problems. Dominant in the air, but with United playing to feet, the visitors were able to get a hold of the ball in the final third. Played an important role in build up for Liverpool.

Milos Kerkez 3

Really struggled up against Amad, who had acres of space on the break. It’s been a tough start to life at Liverpool for the Hungarian.

Alexis Mac Allister 6

In the wars from the first minute, and battled well as Liverpool tried to hit back after Mbeumo’s early opener. Withdrawn midway through the second-half as Liverpool chased an equaliser.

Ryan Gravenberch 5

Was withdrawn just past the hour mark, having struggled to get to grips with United’s midfield. Hasn’t hit the same levels as last season, and it’s having a big impact on Liverpool’s performances.

Mohammed Salah 4

Another quiet game from Salah, who hasn’t scored in his last four Premier League games. Slashed wide when found free in the area by Kerkez. A frustrating afternoon for the Egyptian.

Not at his best: Mohamed Salah

AFP via Getty Images

Dominik Szoboszlai 6

Restored to the midfield, he combined well at times with Mac Allister. United, though, were sharper than Liverpool in the centre of the park.

Cody Gakpo 8

Grabbed the equaliser his performance deserved, but missed a guilt-edged chance late on after United had retaken the lead. Tried to get things going for Liverpool and was unlucky to hit the post in each half before eventually finding the back of the net from Chiesa’s ball across the box.

Alexander Isak 4

Drifted in and out of the game and failed to find the back of the net with the one clear-cut opening he got in the first-half. The Swede’s Premier League goal drought continues.

Substitutes:

Florian Wirtz 7

His composure inside a packed penalty area set Chiesa free to square for Gakpo. An impactful cameo.

Hugo Ekitike 7

Gave Liverpool some impetus in attack, arrowing a shot narrowly past Lammens’ left-hand post. Was involved in Gakpo’s equaliser.

Curtis Jones 6

Looked to get on the ball and drive forward as Slot’s substitutes threatened to turn the game on its head.

Federico Chiesa 7

Provided the assist for Gakpo’s equaliser and added energy to Liverpool’s attack. Has really turned around his fortunes at Liverpool after a difficult debut campaign.

Jeremie Frimpong 6

Came on and should have claimed an assist when Gakpo missed a sitter from his cross.