Liverpool are 2-0 behind at the break as Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko give Manchester United the lead at Old Trafford.
Arne Slot’s side had the worst possible start in the Premier League clash, as Cunha gave the home side an early lead. The Brazilian had an effort on goal blocked by Ryan Gravenberch, but the ball bounced back to him, and he slotted it in without any mistake.
The shot took a slight deflection off Alexis Mac Allister, but there was nothing Freedie Woodman could have done even without it. The Red Devils were in complete control of the match and doubled their lead quickly.
Benjamin Sesko asked for a foul by Curtin Jones inside the box, but even before VAR could intervene, the home side had the ball in the back of the net. A cross into the box found Bruno Fernandes unmarked at the far post, and he headed it into a dangerous area.
Woodman got to the ball first, but he only managed to push it onto Sesko, and the ball rolled into the net. There was a lengthy check for a possible handball, but the officials could not spot anything conclusive, and the goal stood.
Here are the ReadLiverpoolFC half-time ratings:
Freddie Woodman – 6
Could not do much about the two goals, but just does not look confident enough in goal today. Has been sticking to the line and not charging out when he can put pressure on Sesko and others.
Curtis Jones – 5
Many would claim that he was lucky not to be sent off after his touch brought down Sesko inside the box. Did well to stop the striker earlier in the game, but after the clearance, the flag was up anyway.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Rather poor inside the box and misjudged the ball completely before the second goal. Sesko has been able to get the better of him on most occasions.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
Lost track of Sesko seconds before the striker scored today. Has been off pace once again, and looks exhausted every time Manchester United attack.
Andy Robertson – 4
Every dangerous Manchester United attack has come from Robertson’s side. He has been out of position a lot today and has been finding it hard to deal with Bryan Mbeumo.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
The Dutchman got the only shot on target for the Reds today and has been trying his best in the midfield. However, he is not getting the help he would like.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
A lot of sideways passes, and nothing more today. He has been getting the ball a lot more than others, but has just been unable to do anything with it.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Has been playing a bit off the right today, but nothing significant with the ball. Has stayed in the United half most of the time, to work with Frimpong.
Jeremie Frimpong – 4
Starting him as a right-winger today might have been a big mistake. The Duthcman has not managed to do anything and Luke Shaw has him in his pocket.
Florian Wirtz – 5
The German has been drifting all over the Manchester United half to try and get the ball, but very little to support him. He has managed one shot in the half, and that was off target.
Cody Gakpo – 4
The forward has been trying to think a step ahead with his runs, but his passes and shots are delayed. Manchester United have been able to put Harry Maguire on him most of the time, and the Dutchman has failed ot brush his opponent off.
