Who could have predicted such outcome? Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over rivals Liverpool, who underperformed at Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho’s early opening was followed by Marcus Rashford’s calm one-on-one finish, and while Mohamed Salah made Old Trafford uncomfortable with a late consolation, Erik ten Hag earned his first competitive win as United manager, allowing his side to leapfrog the Reds in the Premier League table.
With Manchester United off to a good start and questions being raised about Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, Sky Sports football journalist Sam Blitz examines the players who took to the field in Monday Night Football.
David de Gea
The Spanish goalie could as well have sat with the fans for the first hour because he had nothing to do! De Gea did brilliantly to deny substitute Fabinho and also to prevent Martinez from scoring an own goal, but he was powerless to prevent Salah’s consolation.
Bruno Fernandes
This was a true captain’s performance. The Portuguese midfielder was the metronome in United’s midfield, playing every pass correctly in the first half hour. Fernandes was grateful for Martinez’s presence on the field to prevent an own goal, and his second-half booking simulation was one of only two blots on an otherwise productive night.
Marcus Rashford
Alexander Barg-Arnold’s early clearance set the tone for Rashford’s outstanding performance, who led from the line brilliantly in the centre forward role. The Manchester United striker found himself in good positions both up front and out wide before tapping home after half-time to put a spell of low confidence behind him. A late mazy run in the second half, which nearly culminated in a wonderful goal, demonstrates that morale is at an all-time high.
Ronaldo (86th minute substitution for Rashford) – n/a
A late introduction, but most had forgotten he was on the team by the time he appeared. A reflection of how well his teammates performed.
Harvey Elliott
The kid took up several decent positions but was unable to deal with United’s midfield three. Elliott had just a couple of half-chances, and his inexperience showed.
Mohamed Salah
He was completely unnoticed in a first half in which he barely touched the ball. The Egyptian set up a fantastic chance for Henderson, who squandered it, but then ballooned over a decent shot from a corner after the break. His late goal was his only significant contribution to the game, but the Liverpool winger knows he can do so much better.
Raphael Varane
The centre-back did not have to deal with the sharpest Liverpool onslaught, but he did cover well for Dalot when Luis Diaz ventured into the penalty area. Made some strong tackles in the first half and remained composed despite being on a yellow card for the majority of the game. His connection with Lisandro Martinez was successful, and Harry Maguire is anticipated to remain on the bench for a little while longer.
Lisandro Martinez
What a difference one week can make. Martinez was outfought by Brentford’s onslaught last week, but he looked like a different player at centre-back on Monday. By fouling and shoving him in the opening minute, the Argentine made it clear to Mohamed Salah that he was not to be trifled with, before stopping James Milner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Not for the first time in his career, Alexander-defensive Arnold’s talents were called into question at Old Trafford against Manchester United. The right-back was unable to deal with both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga down the left flank and was duly cautioned for a trip on the latter. Attacked effectively, but kept over-hitting his passes. A night to remember.
READ MORE: Klopp ‘strangles’ Bruno Fernandes after Liverpool loss to Manchester United [Watch Video]
SOURCE: Skysports.com
