Liverpool player ratings vs Man Utd: 4/10 duo flop as Alexander Isak fears hit new heights

LIVERPOOL 1-2 MANCHESTER UNITED: Two of the Premier League big boys went head-to-head at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool were defeated by Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday

Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United following a scintillating clash at Anfield. The Merseyside giants fell behind just two minutes into the match as Bryan Mbeumo swept the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili after Alexis Mac Allister had been left on the floor with a head injury following a clash with team-mate Virgil van Dijk.

Arne Slot’s men fluffed their lines time and time again as they pushed forward and created havoc. The home side finally grabbed an equaliser 12 minutes before the end as Cody Gakpo fired the ball in from close range. But Harry Maguire headed in a winner for United six minutes later as Liverpool’s struggles continued. And Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players.

Mamardashvili: 7

Wasn’t able to keep out Mbeumo’s early effort but made a string of fine saves afterwards to keep his side in the game. Also launched a lovely ball forward to Gakpo after Liverpool had fallen behind as the Reds went route one. Was utimately on the losing side after being beaten by Maguire’s header.

Conor Bradley: 4

Started ahead of Jeremie Frimpong but lacked quality on and off the ball. Can’t match Trent Alexander-Arnold’s output going forward and will struggle to hold onto his place in the coming weeks off the back of this display.

Ibrahima Konate: 8

Was called into action on too many occasions and was Liverpool’s best defender on the day as the United attack caused the hosts all sorts of problems. Won headers and made tackles as Van Dijk struggled.

Virgil van Dijk: 5

Often came out second best in duels and was caught out of position for Mbeumo’s strike after colliding with Mac Allister. Was a threat in the air at the other end as his team-mates attempted to find his head with set-piece deliveries into the box.

Milos Kerkez: 4

Struggled against a dominant United side and was targeted as a weak link in the Reds defence. Was in no man’s land for the Red Devils’ opener and was also guilty of taking too many touches when Liverpool needed to get going. Gave the ball away as United nearly netted a second goal before half an hour of the match had been played and looked nervous throughout.

Harry Maguire scored Manchester United’s winning goal against Liverpool (Image: Getty)

Ryan Gravenberch: 6

One of his weakest games of the season as he failed to stamp his authority in midfield. Would have made more of an impact if he was utilised further forward.

Alexis Mac Allister: 5

Suffered a head injury after an accidental clash with Van Dijk’s elbow in the lead-up to United’s opener, with Liverpool players complaining that the match should have been halted. Was forced to wear head protection afterwards. Left Ryan Gravenberch exposed at times as he pushed forward.

Mohamed Salah: 7

Was one of Mohamed Salah’s better performances this season as he proved to be a menace in attack. Whipped in a teasing cross to Van Dijk early on moments before he had a silky exchange with Isak. Picked out Gakpo with an exceptional pass midway through the first half as the Netherlands international saw his effort cannon back off the post. But fired off target when presented with a gilt-edged chance in the second half when he should have scored. Still far from his best.

Dominik Szoboszlai: 5

Occupied the attacking third. But it would have helped the team more if either Szoboszlai or Mac Allister had played a bit deeper. Worked hard but had a limited impact on proceedings.

Cody Gakpo: 8

Is always a huge threat in the final third. Nearly equalised in the first half after being teed up by Salah. Hit the post again in the early stages of the second half, before striking the woodwork for a third time with a deflected effort. Kept knocking on the door and finally got his reward with a tap in late on.

Alexander Isak: 5

Snatched at a shot half an hour into the match but fluffed his lines as the ball bobbled wide. Then had another big chance after being played in by Ibrahima Konate but saw his effort repelled by Senne Lammens. Lacked energy and yet to score in the Premier League for his new side after four appearances. Has been way off his best since arriving from Newcastle.

Read more: Footballer, 18, killed by kidnappers after family unable to pay ransom

Read more: Roy Keane delivers brutal Kobbie Mainoo takedown as Man Utd snub continues

Read more: Nottingham Forest hold job talks with top target after sacking Ange Postecoglou

Substitutions

Hugo Ekitike: 8

Came on for Alexis Mac Allister just after the hour mark and sparked the home fans into life when he shot from range moments later. Had another shot soon afterwards and was full of energy.

Florian Wirtz: 7

Will be disappointed after being left out of the starting line-up for the third time in four league matches. Replaced Conor Bradley but didn’t prove to be the catalyst for a late Liverpool resurgence.

Curtis Jones: 6

Replaced Ryan Gravenberch in a triple substitution at the same time as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz were introduced to the action.

Federico Chiesa: 7

Was asked to come up with the goods late on after coming on for Alexander Isak. Provided the assist for Gakpo’s strike but it wasn’t enough to secure a draw.

Jeremie Frimpong: 6

Came on for Mohamed Salah with five minutes of the 90 remaining but didn’t have enough time to win his side a point.