Player Ratings: Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United

David de Gea 7

He wasn't asked to do anything exceptional, but he made a couple of crucial interventions, particularly to stop Adam Lallana when he was through on goal. De Gea's form has improved dramatically over the last few weeks, and with Real Madrid suffering a transfer ban, De Gea could be United's for an unexpectedly long time.

Matteo Darmian 6

We were told he was able to play on the left, but really, his passing and attacking is so limited that forcing him onto his left foot is even more damaging to his abilities. He was acceptable, if uninspired, in defence.

Chris Smalling and Daley Blind 6

Smalling and Blind, you know what you'll get. Largely competent, with obvious and inevitable vulnerability. A new central defender will be needed in the summer at the latest.

Ashley Young 6

Young is a perfectly adequate player, who is useful for his flexibility. He should start on the left if Darmian is available on the right, but otherwise his injury is a bit of a blow. United should hope that having gone off with a knock - rather than a strain, it seems - he will be back soon.

Morgan Schneiderlin 5

He ran around a lot tackling and kicking people, as ever, but his passing - along with the rest of the side - was absolutely dreadful, and the sooner United work out that the easiest way to play is by passing to one another, the better.

Marouane Fellaini 2

Maybe it's his brother in a United shirt and none of us have realised, and the old, capable Fellaini from last year is tied up in a basement somewhere.

Jesse Lingard 5

Anonymous

Ander Herrera 5

Suffered from the capability deficit that the rest of the team does, he remains vulnerable to substitution while Fellaini swans about with his deliberate stumbling. Not his best few weeks, but he is by no means as bad as Van Gaal is treating him.

Anthony Martial 7

Once again, United's most dangerous forward. His running and close control on the wings and in the box is a threat. He needs to see more of the ball, and that won't happen while this clown is in charge.

Wayne Rooney 6

Rooney is now doing what was expected of him at the start of the season. It was obvious his passing, control and fitness had left him, but few expected his finishing to go too. Now, in the last few matches, it appears to be back. He might be terrible at everything else - just 12 completed passes yesterday -  but keep him in the box and get the ball in front of him, and he will once again serve a purpose.

Substitutes

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson 7

Unlike Paddy McNair, who deserved praise for keeping his calm in the first team, if not his ability, Borthwick-Jackson seems worth of inclusion in the side. He has stepped up to the Premier League ably, isn't bullied, and appears technically skilled. His passing could improve, but given his age, there remains some promise to build on.

Juan Mata 6

He did little, but he offered more than Lingard had. He needs to be moved into the middle, and Herrera would be a better presence than Fellaini in midfield.

Memphis 6

About as disappointing as everyone else, so at least he's improved.