MANCHESTER UNITED inflicted a fourth straight defeat on Liverpool with a 2-1 win at Anfield.
A late winner from Harry Maguire sealed all three points for Ruben Amorim to ease the pressure on his job.
Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead against Liverpool after just one minute.
But the hosts fought back and looked to have bagged a point through Cody Gakpo.
However, United pushed up the other end to nick the win through Maguire’s header.
Here, SunSport’s Samuel Luckhurst delivers his Man United player ratings…
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SENNE LAMMENS – 8
Treated to another rendition of his “Are you Schmeichel in disguise?” chant after he blocked Alexander Isak’s shot in a one-on-one for the biggest save of his life.
Had the odd heart-in-mouth moment at both ends but his handling of the ball was generally calm.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7
Shifted to the right to accommodate the return of Harry Maguire in the middle and did not look entirely comfortable.
Caught on his heels when Cody Gakpo hit the post and went over for a conflab with Amorim in the 34th minute.
After that, he seemed more assured in his defending, even if United rode their luck as Liverpool hit the woodwork three times.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 8
Continued to demonstrate why he has become a captain without the armband at United before kick-off with his rallying cry in the tunnel.
Defended stoutly to vindicate his recall and then scored late on to put United ahead again.
Evidently benefited from having another international break.
LUKE SHAW – 8
He is playing in the wrong system for Thomas Tuchel but if Shaw keeps this up he will have to be back in the England squad.
A classy and composed performance from United’s longest-serving player.
Shaw did very little wrong and whenever he did he was often quick to atone for his mistake.
AMAD DIALLO – 7
Demonstrated for the umpteenth time why he has survived under Amorim while four other wingers have been seen off. Had the beating of Milos Kerkez and played in Bryan Mbeumo to make it 1-0.
Wrongly booked by referee Michael Oliver, which doubtless contributed to his removal shortly before the hour mark.
CASEMIRO – 7
Amorim considered benching Casemiro and will be glad he didn’t. Against an off-colour Liverpool, Casemiro was able to impose himself.and was a disciplined presence in front of United’s back three.
Got booked just before the hour and was immediately substituted, given his rashness when on a card.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Liverpool switched off but Fernandes was switched on to switch the play to Amad and engineer the attack that led to United taking the lead so early.
Fernandes got going last season with his return to the team at Anfield and this was a similarly professional and prudent performance. Great cross for Maguire’s header.
DIOGO DALOT – 5
United’s weakest performer by a considerable distance.
Dalot’s misuse of the ball led to Gakpo’s chance and another sighter for Liverpool while he struggled to get any joy against Conor Bradley despite the right back’s recent woe at Chelsea.
Switched to the right wing after Amad was taken off and was slightly more at ease.
BRYAN MBEUMO – 8
Mbeumo was on his toes while Virgil van Dijk was on his heels to put United 1-0 up with his third goal for the club.
His collaboration with Amad overwhelmed Kerkez and United’s first-half chances all came down United’s right-hand side.
MASON MOUNT – 6
One of those games where Mount’s off-the-ball work trumped his on-the-ball work.
An understandably quieter performance from Amorim’s pressing “catalyst”, though Mount drew a save from Giorgi Mamardashvili when United threatened to go 2-0 up in the first half.
Made way for Benjamin Sesko on the hour as Amorim accommodated an out-and-out striker.
MATHEUS CUNHA – 7
Amorim indicated United would adopt more direct tactics but it was all a ruse as he dropped Sesko for Cunha.
Dropping the striker who has been scoring for a forward with one start in six weeks was contentious but worked as United kept the ball primarily on the deck.
Cunha, like Mount, worked hard and had the odd opportunity in the final third. Dropped into one of the playmaker roles after Sesko emerged and used the ball wisely.
SUBS
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Had to stay sat in front of the defence and did.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
Left Mohamed Salah unattended for a great chance.
Benjamin Sesko – 6
Some silky touches.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Was set to come on at 1-1 but emerged with United 2-1 up.
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Leny Yoro – 6
Came on with Mainoo.
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