Liverpool player ratings vs Manchester United: Henderson, Van Dijk, Firmino and Wijnaldum star at Anfield
Liverpool continued their relentless march towards the Premier League title as goals from Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah sank Manchester United 2-0 at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp warned Liverpool ahead of the game that this would not be a walkover, and the League leaders - though dominant - were made to work for their win.
David Lynch was at Anfield to run the rule over Klopp's players...
Some fine distribution with hands and feet in the first half but couldn’t get it going in the second as United pressed higher. That is until he picked out a peach for Salah at the death. Nothing wrong with his handling, regardless.
Struggled to get going as United managed Liverpool’s full-back threat, as was the case at Old Trafford. Still had his say with the corner for Van Dijk’s goal.
Joe Gomez: 7
Didn’t have as much to do as he might have expected but did what was needed. His pace was particularly handy in several situations.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
Typically dominant in the air and only needed to put the afterburners on once on the deck, cutting out a Dan James cross in the first half. Took his goal well.
Saw a lot of the ball, particularly in the first half, but couldn’t get his usually pinpoint crossing going. Took some poor corners when Liverpool were on top, but never looked troubled defensively.
Andy Robertson: 8
Set the tone for Liverpool’s dominance of the middle of the park with his desire. Also showed off his passing range to put the hosts on the front foot.
A rock in the middle for Liverpool. Won every 50/50 and broke United’s midfield on countless occasions with a nutmeg or a clever turn.
Couldn’t influence matters as much as he might like, despite some flashes of quality when running at the United defence. Subbed with half an hour remaining.
Mohamed Salah: 7
Worked hard and got in behind the visitors’ defence plenty of times, but couldn’t find that killer touch… until the last minute! Did well to fight off Dan James before sliding in the finish to seal it.
Sadio Mane: 7
Like Salah, looked dangerous and didn’t play poorly, but he couldn’t find the goal to make things safe. Will enjoy easier afternoons where space is easier to come by, that’s for sure.
Linked play brilliantly, showing more composure than many of his teammates in the final third throughout. Also closed off passing lanes constantly on the other side of the ball. Had a well-taken goal rightly disallowed in the first half.
Subs
Adam Lallana: 5
Grafted when introduced with half an hour to go but didn’t catch the pace of the game straight away and gave away some silly fouls.
Divock Origi: 6
Barely touched the ball during his cameo.
Fabinho: 6
Thrown into a difficult situation on his return from injury but battled well.
Not used
Adrian, Takumi Minamino, Joel Matip, Curtis Jones