LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 14, 2017: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia and referee Martin Atkinson during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

YET again we are frustrated by the supposed best manager in world football, who turns up at Anfield and uses the same game plan as Derek Adams of Plymouth Argyle did last January. Actually if Adams had spent £400million on his squad maybe even he’d have been more adventurous.

Liverpool deserved to win that game but were thwarted by an expensively assembled Trojan horse. Better finishing wins it, so I’ll be damned if Jose is getting credit for that.

Sadio Mane plays and Liverpool win.

Anyway, ratings and stuff:

Simon Mignolet: 7

Not much to do but makes a vital save at a vital time. Also did well with his feet when needed.

Joe Gomez: 8

Nervous when he’s named as the one to look after Anthony Martial all game but he dealt with it well. Then dominated media darling Marcus Rashford. Excellent from young Joe.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 14, 2017: Liverpool's Joe Gomez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Joel Matip: 7

Bit of a 50-50 game for him. Seemed to shank a few clearances but overall seemed calm and assured on the ball. Won some crucial challenges.

Dejan Lovren: 7

Only remembered at the start of the game how he dominated Romelu Lukaku in the derby last year and did it again today. One chance aside he had him in toast, but wish he was better at the other end.

Alberto Moreno: 7

Loved that from Albie. Caught out of position a few times but made vital blocks, in particular after that Lukaku chance. Also provided a useful option in attack.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 14, 2017: Liverpool's Alberto Moreno tackles Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jordan Henderson: 6

Not his finest game but always tricky to be that influential in such a hectic match. Put in some good tackles but his final ball was poor too often.

Emre Can: 7

Seemed to drift in and out of the game but was the one who wanted to carry the ball forward most. Putting his head where it hurt with that Nemanja Matic challenge as well.

Gini Wijnaldum: 6

All over the place one minute, then nowhere to be found the next. Did get the ball from A to B a fair bit but in a game like that you just want a bit more.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 14, 2017: Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum and Manchester United's Phil Jones during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Philippe Coutinho: 7

First half I was quite frustrated with him but as the game went on he became more influential. Just that last ball wasn’t quite there. Second half started well but faded. Should have had a penalty though.

Mohamed Salah: 7

Very up and down game for him. As ever his movement and pace put him in great positions but finishing arguably cost us the win. If he could finish as well as he dribbles we’d win every week.

Roberto Firmino: 6

All the usual brilliance that comes with playing that role but what we needed was someone in the box who would just be concerned with putting the ball in the net. Still want him to be a number 10 more than a nine.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 14, 2017: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino score a goal but it's ruled offside during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

SUBS

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7

Thought he did really well. Tried to force it, won corners and provided a fire we hadn’t really had in the second half.

Daniel Sturridge: 6

Hardly touched the ball after I’d been calling for his introduction all game.

Dominic Solanke: N/A

Hardly saw any of it.

Frustrating of course but when everyone has been telling you all season that this is the best United side since 2013 it had to come as somewhat of a surprise that they, like New Balance, come not to play.

Jose and United were shit scared of Liverpool today, which tells you everything you need to know about how good we truly are.

If you liked those ratings, or even if you didn’t, I’ve written a book on Jürgen Klopp and his first two seasons at Liverpool. Buy it or you don’t get to disagree with my ratings!

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