It was a game of tough fight and poor team work. United lost. Liverpool deserved their win, they battled hard and clean for this victory.

Ratings: L'pool v United
credits:manutd official

Edwin van der Sar

A day to forget for the Dutch keeper who, despite a couple of good blocks from fellow countryman Dirk Kuyt, gifted Liverpool their equaliser after a mix-up with Wes Brown.

-> It's alright Mr Dutch. You tried your best. Brown can be a mess at times, we know that too well to even blame him.

Wes Brown

Much like his goalkeeper, Wes endured a miserable afternoon at Anfield. Was given a torrid time by Liverpool debutant Albert Riera and found himself on the score-sheet at the wrong end.

-> What's left to say? Brown, you're good you know! Can you just learn to focus?

Rio Ferdinand

Singled out by his manager as United's one, and only, decent performer. Rio takes great pride in the Reds' defensive displays and he, more than anyone, will be horrified by the manner in which United conceded both goals.

-> Yes, you performed very well last night but it wasnt good enough to stop Babel's shot. Nonetheless, you were the only defender with brains and brawn last night.

Nemanja Vidic

The Serb was booked for bringing down Robbie Keane as he attempted to run through on goal and received his marching orders a minute before the end after clattering into Xabi Alonso. Will now miss the trip to Chelsea.

-> VIDIC!!! I really wanna start deducting from your pay for every yellow and/or red card received!!! Stop it boy! You get a yellow card for almost every other game. We're rich but not as rich as Man City. The force behind Man City might kill us in time to come.

Patrice Evra

He knew little about it, but it was a deflection off the Frenchman from Alonso's shot that caused the almighty mix-up which led to Liverpool's equaliser. Did okay overall and made a brilliant last-ditch clearance just after half-time as Kuyt waited to pounce.

-> He really played hard last night but I thought he was trying too too hard.

Michael Carrick

It was a case of déjà vu for the midfielder who, having hobbled out of the league opener with Newcastle, did the same again at Anfield after injuring the very same ankle. Was replaced at half-time by Ryan Giggs.

-> I hate this player. I never liked him.

Anderson

Lively in the first half and played a superb ball round-the-corner to Berbatov in the build-up to United's goal. Also supplied a powerful, low cross into Tevez's path, but the Argentine flicked over on 28 minutes.

-> Did a fairly good job assisting the first goal. My impression of him changed a little.

Paul Scholes

Played his part in United's third-minute opener with a great pass into Anderson, but struggled to exert his influence as Liverpool grew in stature after their equaliser. Replaced by Owen Hargreaves on 66 minutes.

-> Uncle Scholes just never say die!

Dimitar Berbatov

Made an immediate impact on his debut when he held off the attentions of Jamie Carragher to set up Tevez to fire home. Required treatment for a knee problem mid-way through the second half and struggled thereafter to make another telling contribution.

-> His first United game and my first meeting with him. Well, he was pretty lost. Bulgarian right? Do you speak English? If yes, try teaming up Rooney.

Wayne Rooney

No doubt buoyed by his mid-week goal for England, Wazza started brightly enough out on the right wing, but was forced to defend for large chunks of the match. Skewed a half chance wide in the final seconds.

-> Disappointing performance from Rooney boy. He started out well but I dont know what happened. The thing is I truly believe in this boy. To me, he has unlimited talent and can reach sky high if he is consistence.

Carlos Tevez

Found the net for the second consecutive season in this fixture and worked hard throughout. Was booked for a scything tackle on Arbeloa in the first half.

-> I never ever doubt this South Amercian's ability to exploit every single scoring opportunity. He is a real gift to United.

Substitutes

Ryan Giggs

Nearly found the net with a wickedly dipping volley which was tipped over by Reina on 70 minutes, but was culpable in the build-up to Liverpool's winner after his failure to clear the danger in his own box led to Kuyt crossing for Babel to fire home.

-> The newly-wed is driven to win but sadly the power of one couldnt do much.

Owen Hargreaves

His first appearance of the season after coming on for Scholes just after the hour. Did his best to shore things up in midfield, but United were outnumbered there all afternoon.

-> Up till now, I still dont know if he's right for United. Oh well, we'll see.

Nani

A late arrival in place of Anderson. Wasn't able to make much of an impact and should have done better with a late United corner which prompted a surge forward from van der Sar.

-> ARGH!

Labels: football, man utd

top