Liverpool were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses as a dramatic afternoon at Old Trafford ended in a stinging 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
In a match defined by chaotic momentum swings, Arne Slot side clawed their way back from the brink, only to have a precious point snatched away in the final 10 minutes of a pulsating North West derby.
Arne Slot’s side crumbled to their 11th league defeat of the season after failing to beat the Red Devils. They were 2-0 down at halftime, but equalised 11 minutes into the second half, only to fail to make the most of the situation later in the game.
Matheus Cunha had two bites of the cherry after his first effort came off Ryan Gravenberch. The Brazilian forward’s shot took a wicked deflection off Alexis Mac Allister and left Freddie Woodman with no chance to make a save.
Brenjamin Sesko made it 2-0 in the 14th minute, after Woodman’s effort to push the ball away hit the Manchester United forward and crawled in. There was a hint of handball in the effort, but VAR ruled in favor of the home side as there was no conclusive evidence.
The Red Devils made a change at halftime with Sesko going off for Amad Diallo. That played in favour of Liverpool, as the substitute’s poor pass at the halfway line was intercepted by Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Hungarian ran the length of the half on his own and slotted it in to make it 2-1 within 90 seconds of the restart. He had options ahead of him, but chose to drive it into the box himself and score.
Senne Lammens then gifted Liverpool a second goal, after his sloppy pass went straight to Mac Allister, who put it for Szoboszlai, who in turn set up Cody Gakpo inside the box. The Dutchman made no mistake to tap it into an empty net and the Reds were well and truly back in the game.
However, they failed to do much once again, and were unable to create chances. Manchester United had half a chance late in the half, and Kobbie Mainoo scored in the 77th minute to seal a 2-3 win.
Here are the ReadLiverpoolFC full-time ratings:
Freddie Woodman – 6
The goalkeeper had very little to do today, and had to make three easy saves. For the goals, apart from the second one, there was nothing more he could have done to prevent them.
Curtis Jones – 5
Not his best display as a make-shift right-back, and questions need to be asked of Slot, if it was a decision that was needed, as Jeremie Frimpong was available to play in the backline. He was unable to do much against Cunha.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
The defender was just able to handle Sesko in the first half, but recovered to do well in the second. However, he was just unable to do much to prevent the goals.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
The captain was off pace today and was given the Manchester United attackers way too much freedom near the box. Should have some leeway because Robertson was a key reason for the space at the back.
Andy Robertson – 4
Not the way he would have wanted to play at Old Trafford for the last time in Liverpool colours. He was out of position a lot today, and Bryan Mbeumo was getting past him with ease.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
The Dutchman was hardly involved in the game today as he was being eased past in the first half. The second half saw him get some control, but he was more involved in the attack than the defence.
Alexis Mac Allister – 4
Nothing much to be said about the Argentine today apart from the interception he made for the second Liverpool goal. Easily one of his worst displays for the Reds.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
A goal and an assist for the Hungarian today and once again the standout player for the Reds. He needed help from his teammates, but there was none on offer.
Jeremie Frimpong – 4
His performance today is up there with Steven Gerrard getting sent off after just 38 seconds against Manchester United. Just could not get past Luke Shaw, and the Manchester United man kept getting help from Matheus Cunha too.
Florian Wirtz – 4
The German had the freedom to roam around today, but just could not do much. Yet another big game when the midfielder has failed to deliver.
Cody Gakpo – 5
The forward got a goal today but that was about it. He has now scored five times against Manchester United.
Substitutes
Milos Kerkez – 6
The left-back brought control to the backline, something Roberson failed to do today.
Rio Ngumoha – 6
Tried a lot, but just failed to get his shot on target.
Federico Chiesa – 5
Did not have an impact after coming on late.
