90min

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United: Player ratings as table topping clash ends goalless

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

The draw means Liverpool have now failed to score in three consecutive Premier League games
The draw means Liverpool have now failed to score in three consecutive Premier League games / Michael Regan/Getty Images
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Manchester United remained top of the Premier League table with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, in which the Reds dominated possession but their opponents had the better chances.

Liverpool had the better of the first half, registering 67% possession and firing off nine shots. However, it was United who went closest to opening the scoring with Bruno Fernandes' whipped free kick inches away from nestling in the back of the net.

It was a similar story after the break. Once again, Liverpool enjoyed far more of the ball, while United would have the best chance. Fernandes was at the centre of things again, prodding a cutback straight at Alisson with 15 minutes left to play.

Soon after, Paul Pogba had the best chance of the match, but the Frenchman could only a power a close ranged effort straight at the Reds' keeper.

Here are your United and Liverpool player ratings from Anfield...

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Fabinho excelled at centre-back
Fabinho excelled at centre-back / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Alisson (GK) - 8/10 - Swept up United's through balls well and dealt with all shots that came his way. Two big saves in the final ten minutes were vital.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) - 5/10 - Nowhere near his best display. Looked a little shaky in his defending and his creative influence was minimal.

Fabinho (CB) - 8/10 - Class personified. He picked off Fernandes' through balls with ease and ensured the United frontline were starved of service.

Jordan Henderson (CB) - 8/10 - An impressive display, particularly considering his limited experience at centre-back.

Andy Robertson (LB) - 7/10 - Burst forward frequently and took up some promising positions. Also defended solidly.

2. Midfielders

Liverpool won the midfield battle in the first half
Liverpool won the midfield battle in the first half / Pool/Getty Images

Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - 6/10 - Instigated some intricate triangles on the edge of the box. Sometimes guilty of loose passes.

Thiago Alcantara (CM) - 7/10 - Ran the game in the first half, looking a cut above every other player on the pitch. Forced a save from De Gea with a long range effort late on.

Xherdan Shaqiri (CM) - 6/10 - His inclusion raised eyebrows but he did okay. Showed good industry early on but faded after the break.

3. Forwards

Shaw had the better of Salah throughout
Shaw had the better of Salah throughout / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Mohamed Salah (RW) - 5/10 - Wasteful before the break, losing possession six times. Also guilting of panicking when presented with a scoring chance.

Roberto Firmino (ST) - 4/10 - A few poor misses in the first half. Does not seem to be clicking with Salah and Mane at the moment.

Sadio Mane (LW) - 5/10 - He had a quiet game, mainly thanks to Wan-Bissaka's solid marking. Only fired off one shot.

4. Substitutes

Curtis Jones - 6/10 - Little influence after coming on.

Divock Origi - 6/10 - As above.

James Milner - N/A

5. Goalkeeper & Defenders

De Gea was rarely called into action, despite Liverpool's dominance
De Gea was rarely called into action, despite Liverpool's dominance / Michael Regan/Getty Images

David de Gea (GK) - 7/10 - Was not required to make too many saves. Did his job with minimal fuss when called upon.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - 8/10 - Defended very well, limiting Mane's influence. Registered four tackles and also covered well.

Victor Lindelof (CB) - 7/10 - His lack of pace was rarely exposed. Made one excellent interception in the box late on.

Harry Maguire (CB) - 7/10 - A few shaky moments when he was isolated with Salah out wide. Largely though, he did well.

Luke Shaw (LB) - 7/10 - Dealt with Salah's threat fairly comfortably. Few attacking contributions but then again, that was never going to be his role.

6. Midfielders

Fernandes nearly converted a free kick early on
Fernandes nearly converted a free kick early on / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Scott McTominay (CM) - 5/10 - Chased shadows in the first half with Liverpool's quick combinations proving too much for him to handle.

Fred (CM) - 6/10 - Fared better than his midfield partner. His clever exchange led to United's first chance of the game and he limited Liverpool better in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) - 7/10 - Come closest to scoring with a first half free kick. Perhaps could have done more defensively in the first half.

7. Forwards

Pogba had the best chance of the game in the final minutes
Pogba had the best chance of the game in the final minutes / Pool/Getty Images

Paul Pogba (RW) - 5/10 - Despite his recent upturn in form, he struggled. Forced his passes and often dribbled his way down a dead end. Spurned a great chance in the dying minutes.

Marcus Rashford (ST) - 4/10 - Timing of his runs was horrific. Overall, he was caught offside on five occasions. Decision making was also poor.

Anthony Martial (LW) - 5/10 - A frustrating afternoon. Barely involved before being substituted after an hour.

8. Substitutes

Edinson Cavani - 6/10 - Won a free kick in a dangerous area minutes after coming on.

Mason Greenwood - N/A

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