Red Monday turned out to be somewhat of a damp squib, as Liverpool and Manchester United played out a scoreless draw at Anfield.
It was certainly an effective performance from United, who came out of the blocks in the first-half and pressed Liverpool high up the pitch, nullifying their usual game and frustrating Jürgen Klopp’s side.
However, as United sat deeper and deeper as the game wore on, Liverpool came forward and José Mourinho’s side will be indebted to David de Gea’s saves to deny Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho a winner for the Reds.
United did have a chance of their own to snatch the win in the second half, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scuffing his header badly wide after Paul Pogba’s far post cross from the right-hand side.
Although Mourinho will be happy with his side’s performance, the result does United no favours, as they continue to sit seventh in the Premier League table after the draw, and a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Mourinho’s return to his former club is now crucial if the Red Devils are to keep pace with the top of the table.
Here are the United player ratings from Anfield:
David de Gea - 8
After his mistake against Stoke before the international break, the Spaniard was back to his world-class standards against Liverpool, denying Can and Coutinho with two brilliant saves.
Antonio Valencia - 8
Typically industrious performance from the Ecuadorian, exemplified by the outstanding recovery tackle on Roberto Firmino as the Brazilian bore down on the United goal late in the second half
Chris Smalling - 7
Solid performance from the Maidstone Maldini, marshalling the defence and is proving to be a great foil alongside Eric Bailly in the centre.
Eric Bailly - 7
Another outstanding performance from the Ivorian despite an injury scare in the warm-up. Nullified the threat of Daniel Sturridge and as always, was never afraid to stick the boot in.
Daley Blind - 7
Wasn’t troubled too much by Sadio Mane and supported Ashley Young well down the left-hand side. Slip in the second half did allow Liverpool a sniff a goal however.
Marouane Fellaini - 8
Great performance by the big Belgian as he covered an outstanding amount of ground and used his aggression well, controlling himself at a ground where he hasn’t had a good record at.
Ander Herrera - 9
Man of the match performance. Fantastic in the box-to-box role, directing traffic and closing down everything that Liverpool managed to throw at him. Future United captain material, perhaps?
Paul Pogba - 5
Looked well up for the game as he played further forward in the number ten role, but with United having so little possession, the Frenchman had very little impact.
Marcus Rashford - 5
Did have the better of James Milner on the right-hand side, but was left rather isolated for large parts of this encounter. The right flank clearly isn’t Rashford’s best position.
Ashley Young - 8
Typically industrious performance from the winger, who presumably ticked every box of José Mourinho’s pre-match checklist with his tireless running and attention to defensive duties.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 5
A real struggle for the Swede. Barely got himself involved in the action and seemed short of match sharpness, exemplified by his scuffed header in the second half. He’ll have better days ahead.
Substitutes
Wayne Rooney (5) – Had relatively little impact out on the right as he came on for Marcus Rashford, although Mourinho would have probably instructed him to focus on closing out the game instead of nicking a winner.
Luke Shaw (N/A) – Came on for Ashley Young in the dying moments of injury time.