Injuries marred Sunday’s heavyweight clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford, with the hosts making all three substitutions before half-time.
Before kick-off, key duo Nemanja Matic and Anthony Martial were ruled out completely before Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and the man who replaced him, Jesse Lingard, were all forced off in the space of 22 first-half minutes.
Liverpool also lost a key figure in Roberto Firmino before the break and showed a severe lack of attacking intent – recording no shots on target in the second half – despite dominating most of the possession.
United had the better chances as well as a goal was disallowed for offside, but have now slipped out of the top four after Arsenal’s comfortable win against Southampton in North London.
Solskjaer’s men will slip further down to sixth if Chelsea win their game in hand, and now face the task of picking themselves up with a thin squad at Crystal Palace. The Eagles host United on the back of a 4-1 triumph at Leicester City.
Here’s how I’ve rated the Reds on a tough day full of gritty performances.
