Manchester United grabbed a moral boosting 3-1 win over their feirce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. United bounced back after a defeat against Swansea City before the International break. The Red Devils now stand third in the league five points behind the neighbours Manchester City.

After a dire first half, the game was brought back into life in second half as all four goals were scored. Anthony Martial had a dream debut as he put the game to the bed with the crucial third goal for the Red Devils. There were a lot of good performers for United but who was the pick of the lot?

A calm and composed defence

David De Gea (7/10)

After eventful couple of weeks and signing new contract at Manchester United, De Gea was back between the sticks. He had hardly anything to do in first half. He gave away ball cheaply once in the second half but made up for it with two fine saves off Danny Ings and Jordon Ibe. He was unlucky to not have a cleansheet as he couldn’t do anything about Christian Benteke’s powerful overhead kick.

Matteo Darmian (7/10)

The Italian continues to improve with every game. He delivered yet another good performance. He attacked well on the right flank as he tried to get the perfect ball in the box. He kept Danny Ings quiet throughout the match and was defensively strong.

Chris Smalling (7/10)

Smalling continues his progress under Louis Van Gaal. The England international was like a rock in the heart of the defence. He kept Benteke quiet and won several duels against him. He lead the line well and played the ball very well from the back.

Daley Blind (8/10)

The best performance of the season for the Dutch international. He read the game very well and kept on intercepting important passes from the opponents. He also won the aerial battle against Benteke. Blind grabbed a goal with a well worked freekick and brilliant finish. He kept his side’s lead intact with a clearence off the line later in second half.

Luke Shaw (8/10)

The teenager continues his impressive start to the campaign. The former Saints defender was brilliant while going forward as he created problem for Liverpool’s defence with his pace. He linked up well initially with Memphis Depay and Ashley Young later. He defended well and kept Emre Can at bay throughout the match.

Midfielders controlled the game

Michael Carrick (8/10)

The Englishman was at his best in this game.He shielded the defence well and nullified any threat when the opponent was on counter. He distributed the ball well and kept the play ticking for his team. Carrick played a crucial part in the second goal as he played the through ball for Ander Herrera which led to penalty. Overall a vintage perfomance by Carrick.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (8/10)

The midfield engine of the team. The German captain completed most number of passes on the pitch. He tackled very well and kept on pressing throughout the game. His movement on and off the ball was exquisite. The former Bayern Munich midfielder came close to scoring from a setpiece only for his touch to let him down. A dictator in midfield.

Ander Herrera (7/10)

The Spaniard started the game quietly but went on to do well as the game went on. He was neat on the ball and was always trying to find his teammates in the final third. Herrera did well to win a penalty for his side and also converted the penalty in an emphatic fashion to give his side a cushion in the game.

An average display by the attackers

Memphis Depay (6/10)

A frustrating outing for the winger. He was not able to get better of Nathaniel Clyne and hence couldn’t do anything good in attacking third. He lost the ball frequently and was poor with his deliveries. Depay was substituted at the half time due to his poor display.

Maraoune Fellaini (6/10)

The big Belgian started as striker in absence of Wayne Rooney. He barely touched the ball in the first half and was not able to finish the two good chances. He scooped the ball high when Simon Mignolet gave away the ball cheaply. He was better in the second half as he was more involved in the game.

Juan Mata (7/10)

The Spanish international had a decent performance. He kept the ball well and was trying to find his teammates while attacking. Mata grabbed an assist when he executed the freekick well for the first goal. He almost found Herrera with a delightful ball over the Liverpool defence.

Substitutes

Ashley Young (7/10)

Anthony Martial (8/10)

Morgan Schneiderlin (6/10)