• MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 8. His defenders saved him in the first half. Got down to save from Fabinho after 66. Fine one handed save after 80. Fuming a minute later when Salah scored. AP
    MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 8. His defenders saved him in the first half. Got down to save from Fabinho after 66. Fine one handed save after 80. Fuming a minute later when Salah scored. AP
  • Diogo Dalot 7. Strong at right-back. A little too strong when he was booked for a yellow card on 45.A positive night for the Portuguese. Reuters
    Diogo Dalot 7. Strong at right-back. A little too strong when he was booked for a yellow card on 45.A positive night for the Portuguese. Reuters
  • Raphael Varane 9. Started ahead of captain Harry Maguire. Booked after 27, but the sight of him juggling the ball in the Liverpool box before setting up Rashford caught the mood with United at 2-0. The Varane Manchester United hoped they were buying. Won everything in the air. AP
    Raphael Varane 9. Started ahead of captain Harry Maguire. Booked after 27, but the sight of him juggling the ball in the Liverpool box before setting up Rashford caught the mood with United at 2-0. The Varane Manchester United hoped they were buying. Won everything in the air. AP
  • Lisandro Martinez 9. Brilliant sliding block from Salah after 40 and then saved the ball on the line from what was going to be a Fernandes own goal 30 seconds later. Positioning was flawless. Getty
    Lisandro Martinez 9. Brilliant sliding block from Salah after 40 and then saved the ball on the line from what was going to be a Fernandes own goal 30 seconds later. Positioning was flawless. Getty
  • Tyrell Malacia 8. Positive start. Two key clearances as Liverpool pushed for a late equaliser. Got in front of Firmino – and in the faces of almost every Liverpool player - to break another attack up in those final tense minutes for his side. Fantastic debut. Offside
    Tyrell Malacia 8. Positive start. Two key clearances as Liverpool pushed for a late equaliser. Got in front of Firmino – and in the faces of almost every Liverpool player - to break another attack up in those final tense minutes for his side. Fantastic debut. Offside
  • Christian Eriksen 7. Curled a 24th minute free-kick towards goal and the fingers of Becker. Always had attacking intent. Worthy performance. EPA
    Christian Eriksen 7. Curled a 24th minute free-kick towards goal and the fingers of Becker. Always had attacking intent. Worthy performance. EPA
  • Scott McTominay 7. A surprise starter and he came out flying. Which he needed to do after performances this season. Scooped the ball away as Liverpool tried to get a goal back after 56, then blocked a 74th minute attack. EPA
    Scott McTominay 7. A surprise starter and he came out flying. Which he needed to do after performances this season. Scooped the ball away as Liverpool tried to get a goal back after 56, then blocked a 74th minute attack. EPA
  • Jadon Sancho 8. Put his side ahead on 16 – controlling a ball, taking five neat touches and placing it along the floor past Alisson. His best moment since signing. AFP
    Jadon Sancho 8. Put his side ahead on 16 – controlling a ball, taking five neat touches and placing it along the floor past Alisson. His best moment since signing. AFP
  • Bruno Fernandes 7. Captain and set up Elanga who hit the post. Almost scored his first goal of the season – at the Stretford End in his own goal after 40. Martinez saved him. Took one poor touch as United went for a third after 73. Booked on 74. Told off by his manager for trying to play a through ball near the end. Getty
    Bruno Fernandes 7. Captain and set up Elanga who hit the post. Almost scored his first goal of the season – at the Stretford End in his own goal after 40. Martinez saved him. Took one poor touch as United went for a third after 73. Booked on 74. Told off by his manager for trying to play a through ball near the end. Getty
  • Anthony Elanga 7. Played on the left of a front three and hit the post when he should have scored, then assisted Sancho to put United in the lead. The Stretford End sang his name. Off at half time. Getty
    Anthony Elanga 7. Played on the left of a front three and hit the post when he should have scored, then assisted Sancho to put United in the lead. The Stretford End sang his name. Off at half time. Getty
  • Marcus Rashford 8. Played centre-forward and put United 2-0 up with a sweet finish, his first in the Premier League since January, then shot wide after 55 after being set up by Varane. Will have been delighted to hear the Stretford End sing his name. Offside
    Marcus Rashford 8. Played centre-forward and put United 2-0 up with a sweet finish, his first in the Premier League since January, then shot wide after 55 after being set up by Varane. Will have been delighted to hear the Stretford End sing his name. Offside
  • SUBS: Anthony Martial 7. On for Elanga at half time. Looked confident. Set Rashford up for the second. Beautiful twist, turn and control to play the ball away from danger on 79. At the sharp end of a 91st minute attack. Reuters
    SUBS: Anthony Martial 7. On for Elanga at half time. Looked confident. Set Rashford up for the second. Beautiful twist, turn and control to play the ball away from danger on 79. At the sharp end of a 91st minute attack. Reuters
  • Fred 7. On for Sancho after 70. Defensive role to stop Liverpool breaking through. PA
    Fred 7. On for Sancho after 70. Defensive role to stop Liverpool breaking through. PA
  • Donny van de Beek NA. On for Eriksen after 85. Steady in seeing out the game. PA
    Donny van de Beek NA. On for Eriksen after 85. Steady in seeing out the game. PA
  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka NA. On for Dalot after 86. Cleared a 91st minute attack and another a minute later and another a minute after that – and that was enough as United held on. AFP
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka NA. On for Dalot after 86. Cleared a 91st minute attack and another a minute later and another a minute after that – and that was enough as United held on. AFP
  • Cristiano Ronaldo NA. On for Rashford after 85. Spooned a shot over on 90. Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo NA. On for Rashford after 85. Spooned a shot over on 90. Getty
  • LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker – 6. The Brazilian was let down by his defence for the goals. He made a fine save from Eriksen and kept the score down. AFP
    LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker – 6. The Brazilian was let down by his defence for the goals. He made a fine save from Eriksen and kept the score down. AFP
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold – 3. When the 23-year-old is good, he is very, very good. This was one of his bad nights. It was ugly. Getty
    Trent Alexander-Arnold – 3. When the 23-year-old is good, he is very, very good. This was one of his bad nights. It was ugly. Getty
  • Joe Gomez – 6. The 25-year-old was the best of a poor defensive bunch. He made a couple of timely blocks and was less ruffled than his colleagues. PA
    Joe Gomez – 6. The 25-year-old was the best of a poor defensive bunch. He made a couple of timely blocks and was less ruffled than his colleagues. PA
  • Virgil van Dijk – 4. The Dutchman was unusually static, particularly on the opening goal. He showed his class by cutting out Rashford on the counter but overall he was way below his normal standards, as Milner pointed out. PA
    Virgil van Dijk – 4. The Dutchman was unusually static, particularly on the opening goal. He showed his class by cutting out Rashford on the counter but overall he was way below his normal standards, as Milner pointed out. PA
  • Andrew Robertson – 5. The Scot did not produce much going forward although he was solid when defending. He was withdrawn for Tsimikas with five minutes to go. Getty
    Andrew Robertson – 5. The Scot did not produce much going forward although he was solid when defending. He was withdrawn for Tsimikas with five minutes to go. Getty
  • Harvey Elliott – 5. The 19-year-old was anonymous for long spells and did not help his defenders enough. He was better in the closing stages when his passing hinted at better things. Getty
    Harvey Elliott – 5. The 19-year-old was anonymous for long spells and did not help his defenders enough. He was better in the closing stages when his passing hinted at better things. Getty
  • Jordan Henderson – 4. The captain pressed hard with limited success and was too often left stranded by the opposition’s pace and crisp passing. He made way for Fabinho in the 59th minute. Offside
    Jordan Henderson – 4. The captain pressed hard with limited success and was too often left stranded by the opposition’s pace and crisp passing. He made way for Fabinho in the 59th minute. Offside
  • James Milner – 4. The 36-year-old produced more bluster than brilliance. His frustration showed in some questionable challenges and a running row with Van Dijk. He made way for Carvalho in the 73rd minute. AFP
    James Milner – 4. The 36-year-old produced more bluster than brilliance. His frustration showed in some questionable challenges and a running row with Van Dijk. He made way for Carvalho in the 73rd minute. AFP
  • Mohamed Salah – 6. The Egyptian was isolated and the defence doubled up on him. Even so, he caused chaos when he got the ball and he pulled a goal back with a sharp finish. Getty
    Mohamed Salah – 6. The Egyptian was isolated and the defence doubled up on him. Even so, he caused chaos when he got the ball and he pulled a goal back with a sharp finish. Getty
  • Roberto Firmino – 3. The Brazilian swung his foot and missed the ball completely in the area in the second half and it summed up an unhappy night. He sat way too deep for much of the game and when he got forward he was ineffective. Reuters
    Roberto Firmino – 3. The Brazilian swung his foot and missed the ball completely in the area in the second half and it summed up an unhappy night. He sat way too deep for much of the game and when he got forward he was ineffective. Reuters
  • Luis Diaz – 6. The Colombian showed plenty of ambition and was the most direct of the Liverpool strikers. His relationship with Robertson needs serious work, though. Getty
    Luis Diaz – 6. The Colombian showed plenty of ambition and was the most direct of the Liverpool strikers. His relationship with Robertson needs serious work, though. Getty
  • SUBS: Fabinho – 6. The Brazilian replaced Henderson in the 59th minute and settled things down in the midfield. He forced De Gea into a save with a back-post header. Getty
    SUBS: Fabinho – 6. The Brazilian replaced Henderson in the 59th minute and settled things down in the midfield. He forced De Gea into a save with a back-post header. Getty
  • Fabio Carvalho – 6. The Portuguese came on for Milner in the 73rd minute and produced a bright cameo. His shot created the chance for Salah to score. Getty
    Fabio Carvalho – 6. The Portuguese came on for Milner in the 73rd minute and produced a bright cameo. His shot created the chance for Salah to score. Getty
  • Kostas Tsimikas – 5. The Greek joined the action with five minutes to go in place of Robertson. He was almost embarrassed by Martial. Reuters
    Kostas Tsimikas – 5. The Greek joined the action with five minutes to go in place of Robertson. He was almost embarrassed by Martial. Reuters

Sport

Football

Man United vs Liverpool player ratings: Martinez 9, Rashford 8; Van Dijk 4, Salah 6

Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford earn United a 2-1 win at Old Trafford amid protests against club ownership

Andy Mitten
Tony Evans

August 23, 2022

  • English
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Finally, there are signs of life at Manchester United.

Against a backdrop of protests against the club’s ownership, United delivered a performance of intensity and spirit to beat Liverpool 2-1 on Monday and claim their first points in the Premier League this season.

Composed finishes by Jadon Sancho in the 16th minute and Marcus Rashford in the 53rd earned a victory at Old Trafford that will bring some respite for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, who made a huge statement in his team selection by dropping star striker Cristiano Ronaldo and club captain Harry Maguire and was validated.

  • Fans take part in an organised protest march outside Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United match against Liverpool on August 22, 2022. PA
    Fans take part in an organised protest march outside Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United match against Liverpool on August 22, 2022. PA
  • Fans walk to the Old Trafford ground ahead of an organised protest against the Manchester United owners. PA
    Fans walk to the Old Trafford ground ahead of an organised protest against the Manchester United owners. PA
  • Fans take part in an organised protest march outside Old Trafford. PA
    Fans take part in an organised protest march outside Old Trafford. PA
  • A man sells scarves outside the Old Trafford ground. PA
    A man sells scarves outside the Old Trafford ground. PA
  • Manchester United fans protest ahead of the Liverpool match. Action Images
    Manchester United fans protest ahead of the Liverpool match. Action Images
  • Fans arrive amidst high police security. EPA
    Fans arrive amidst high police security. EPA
  • Fans arrive amidst police presence. EPA
    Fans arrive amidst police presence. EPA
  • Fans arrive amidst police presence. EPA
    Fans arrive amidst police presence. EPA
  • Police watch over fans outside Old Trafford. EPA
    Police watch over fans outside Old Trafford. EPA
  • Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Old Trafford ahead of the Premier League match against Liverpool. Getty
    Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Old Trafford ahead of the Premier League match against Liverpool. Getty
  • A banner protesting the Glazer family’s ownership of Manchester United outside the stadium before the match. Action Images
    A banner protesting the Glazer family’s ownership of Manchester United outside the stadium before the match. Action Images
  • Raphael Varane of Manchester United arrives at Old Trafford and signs autographs for fans. Getty
    Raphael Varane of Manchester United arrives at Old Trafford and signs autographs for fans. Getty
  • Scott McTominay of Manchester United arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
    Scott McTominay of Manchester United arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
  • Lisandro Martinez arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
    Lisandro Martinez arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
  • Tyrell Malacia of Manchester United arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
    Tyrell Malacia of Manchester United arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
  • Manchester United's David de Gea and Anthony Martial arrive at Old Trafford to face Liverpool. Getty
    Manchester United's David de Gea and Anthony Martial arrive at Old Trafford to face Liverpool. Getty
  • Bruno Fernandes signs for fans at Old Trafford. Getty
    Bruno Fernandes signs for fans at Old Trafford. Getty
  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford. Getty
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford. Getty
  • Fred looks happy ahead of the Liverpool clash. Getty
    Fred looks happy ahead of the Liverpool clash. Getty
  • Christian Eriksen arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
    Christian Eriksen arrives at Old Trafford. Getty
  • A fan has a photo taken in front of a banner protesting the Glazer family’s ownership of Manchester United. Action Images
    A fan has a photo taken in front of a banner protesting the Glazer family’s ownership of Manchester United. Action Images
  • Stewards outside the stadium before the match against Liverpool. Action Images
    Stewards outside the stadium before the match against Liverpool. Action Images
  • A banner outside Old Trafford. Action Images
    A banner outside Old Trafford. Action Images
  • A banner is displayed protesting the Glazer family’s ownership. Action Images
    A banner is displayed protesting the Glazer family’s ownership. Action Images
  • Stewards outside the stadium before the match. Action Images
    Stewards outside the stadium before the match. Action Images
  • Fans walk to the ground ahead of an organised protest against the Manchester United owners. Getty
    Fans walk to the ground ahead of an organised protest against the Manchester United owners. Getty
  • Fans walk to the ground ahead of an organised protest against the Manchester United owners. Getty
    Fans walk to the ground ahead of an organised protest against the Manchester United owners. Getty
  • Liverpool fans hold pictures of Manchester United's owners and sing songs in their support. AFP
    Liverpool fans hold pictures of Manchester United's owners and sing songs in their support. AFP
  • Police keep watch outside the ground ahead of an organised protest. Getty
    Police keep watch outside the ground ahead of an organised protest. Getty
  • Fans walk to the ground ahead of an organised protest. Getty
    Fans walk to the ground ahead of an organised protest. Getty
  • MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Shirts protesting about the Glazer ownership of Manchester United are sold outside the stadium. Getty
    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Shirts protesting about the Glazer ownership of Manchester United are sold outside the stadium. Getty

“I wanted a different attitude and that is what I saw them bring on the pitch,” said Ten Hag, who has started his tenure at United amid something of a crisis at England's biggest club. “But it's only the start.”

Suddenly, the heat is on Liverpool — widely expected to be a title contender again this season — with Jurgen Klopp’s team still waiting for a win after three games and now languishing behind United in the standings on just two points.

Mohamed Salah scored an 81st-minute consolation but it was another below-par display from Liverpool after draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace, even if this was a first league loss in 2022.

Updated: August 23, 2022, 5:26 PM
Manchester UnitedLiverpoolPremier LeagueCristiano Ronaldo