Sheffield United v Liverpool player ratings: Blades 'accept' relegation; frustrating night for Mohamed Salah

Reds back on track as they chase a Champions League place

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  SHEFFIELD UNITED RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale - 8: The 22-year-old had a busy night and emerged with credit. He made a number of important saves to keep his team in the game and could do nothing about either goal. Reuters

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  Ethan Ampadu - 4: A poor night for the 20-year-old on loan from Chelsea. He struggled defensively and was wasteful in possession. One misguided pass across the face of goal allowed Alexander-Arnold a good chance. Reuters

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  Phil Jagielka - 6: The 38-year-old used all his experience to marshal the defence and blocked what looked like a certain goal but time is catching up with the centre back. Withdrawn after 56 minutes for Osborn. Reuters

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  Kean Bryan - 6: The 24-year-old tried his best to stop Firmino shooting and was unfortunate to deflect the Brazilian’s wayward effort into the net. He defended well overall. AP

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  George Baldock - 5: The right back tackled effectively but was less confident going forward. He did not worry the opposition with his crossing and passing. Reuters

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  Oliver Norwood - 6: The Northern Ireland international created United’s two best chances and constantly urged his team forward. He was often overrun by Liverpool’s quick breaks. Reuters

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  John Lundstram - 4: The midfielder was diligent in helping Baldock to stop the threat of Mane and Robertson but was unable to create any traction going forward. His poor clearance started the move that led to the first goal. Reuters

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  John Fleck - 5: The Scot made a number of timely interceptions and grew more assured on the ball after a shaky start. He was replaced by Sharp with 10 minutes left. PA

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  Enda Stevens - 5: The Irishman had a job on his hands against Salah but kept to his task. He remained resolute even when it looked like he was being overwhelmed. Reuters

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  Oli McBurnie - 7: The big striker used his physical presence cleverly. He had his side’s best chance but could not get the header on target. The Yorkshireman will never be a prolific scorer but he disturbs defences. Reuters

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  David McGoldrick - 5: The 33-year-old tested Adrian twice in the first half with a header and a shot. He ran tirelessly until he was replaced by Burke with 34 minutes left. AFP

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  SUBS: Oli Burke - 6: The winger came on for McGoldrick with 34 minutes left and helped raise the danger levels by getting behind Kabak. He might have done better with a late chance

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  Ben Osborn - 5: The 26-year-old replaced Jagielka after 56 minutes as United changed their shape. His mobility gave the team more options to press the ball. PA

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  Billy Sharp - 5: The 35-year-old was introduced in place of Fleck with 10 minutes to go but the veteran striker was unable to influence the game. PA

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  LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Adrian - 7: Two early saves from McGoldrick bolstered the goalkeeper’s confidence. The Spaniard was sharp off his line and took no chances when the ball was in the air. PA

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  Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8: Another excellent display from the full back. He sent in dangerous crosses, forced Ramsdale into a good save and set up Jones to score the opening goal . Reuters

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  Nathaniel Phillips - 7: The 23-year-old was powerful in the air and unworried by the opposition’s physical power. His positioning was occasionally questionable but he was rarely exposed for pace. AP

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  Ozan Kabak - 5: The Turk is adjusting to the speed and power of the Premier League. He was caught ball-watching a number of times and let forwards get behind him. He was targeted by McBurnie and will improve for that experience. AP

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  Andrew Robertson - 7: The Scot was initially circumspect going forward but asserted himself as the game went on. He could have scored twice in the second half. Reuters

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  Georginio Wijnaldum - 7: The Dutchman does the unglamorous jobs in midfield and can go unnoticed but it is essential work. Once the central areas were under control he joined the attack and forced Ramsdale to save. Reuters

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  Thiago Alcantara - 6: The 29-year-old’s passing was crisper and his tackling was more restrained. He showed signs of getting on the same wavelength as the front three. Taken off for Milner with 14 minutes left. AP

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  Curtis Jones - 8: The 20-year-old took his goal beautifully and was full of menace throughout. His directness scares defences. Substituted for Keita with 10 minutes left. Reuters

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  Mohamed Salah - 7: A frustrating night for the lively Egyptian. He got into good positions but was either foiled by Ramsdale or had shots blocked by defenders. He will rue a late miss from Robertson’s cross. AP

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  Roberto Firmino - 7: The pressure was on after the Brazilian missed a golden opportunity when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He had a stroke of luck for the second goal but deserved the change of fortune because he never stopped working. Reuters

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  Sadio Mane - 7: The Senegalese popped up across the pitch in a wide-ranging role and did not allow the United back line to relax. He created space and danger whenever he got on the ball. PA

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  SUBS: James Milner - 6: Introduced for Thiago with 14 minutes left to help see out the game. The 35-year-old was as dependable as ever. Getty

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  Naby Keita - 6: The midfielder was given the last 10 minutes when Jones was substituted. He looked rusty but was keen to get involved. The more playing time the better for the Guinean. Getty

Jurgen Klopp said he never doubted Liverpool's unity after a 2-0 win at Sheffield United ended a four-game Premier League losing streak and Curtis Jones dedicated his goal to bereaved team-mate Alisson Becker.

Alisson missed the game following the death of his father Jose in Brazil, and midfielder Jones dedicated his opener to the goalkeeper and his dad during a post-match interview.

Asked whether Jones' words summed up his squad's unity, Liverpool manager Klopp said: "I was never in doubt about the togetherness of this team.

"The world is like this. We win a game and we show togetherness, everybody speaks.

"It was another special week, it's a very nice touch from Curtis, of course, but it is clear we try our everything not only for Ali."

Liverpool had lost successive games to Brighton, Manchester City, Leicester and Everton to drop out of the Champions League places.

But the victory, which was confirmed by Kean Bryan's own goal - Liverpool's 7,000th goal in their top-flight history - moved them to within two points of fourth-placed West Ham.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder was in resigned mood after his side's 21st league defeat of the season, with relegation now almost inevitable.

The Blades are 15 points from safety with 12 games to play.

Wilder said: "Take a step back to move forward, know where you want to be. Stick together, work hard and go again.

"I think that's being realistic in the position we are. I can't dress it up any other way... the points, the games we have got left and the form that we're in."

Player ratings from the match can be seen in the picture gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.