A big win for Manchester United, a bad day for Liverpool. Here’s how the players fared.

Manchester United

De Gea – 6

Had a shaky moment early in the second half but responded well. Save from Ings was crucial.

Darmian – 7

Impressive going forward and rarely troubled defensively.

Smalling – 8

His renaissance continues – incredible to think so many wanted him out barely a year ago.

Blind – 7

Took his goal well and helped contain Liverpool’s front two. His future may still lie in midfield, though.

Shaw – 7

Combined well with Depay going forward in the first half, in a combination that could have been more fruitful had the Dutchman delivered.

Carrick – 7

Seemed comfortable in this midfield set-up, producing one of the better performances of his last 18 months at United.

Schweinsteiger – 6

Approaching the fitness levels critics wondered if he’d ever reach – Schweinsteiger at 90% will be a major asset.

Herrera – 7

Continues to show why he’s so popular with United fans. Looks like he’s really enjoying his football.

https://twitter.com/gregianjohnson/status/642759502954147840

Mata – 6

Made an important breakthrough in helping create Blind’s goal, but didn’t offer much help from open play.

Depay – 5

Nothing seemed to go right for the Dutchman, and he was withdrawn at half-time.

Fellaini – 5

Poor first touches killed attacking moves all too often. Seemed calmer after being moved back into midfield.

Substitutes

Young – 6

The right man for this game. Offered a calm contrast to Depay’s overexuberance.

Martial – 7

Took his goal brilliantly – United might not be all that bothered by the transfer fee.

Schneiderlin – N/A

Not enough time to make too much of an impact.

Liverpool

Mignolet – 5

Started shakily and did little to assuage those nerves, but had no chance with any of the goals.

Clyne – 6

Better going forward than defensively, but was outshone by opposite number Darmian.

Lovren – 5

Must be a nightmare to play behind – looked either shaky or completely terrified, often at random.

Skrtel – 5

Never looked comfortable and was run ragged by Martial for the clincher.

I see that Anthony Martial read the scouting report on Martin Skrtel

WEAKNESSES: anything

— James Tyler (still) (@JamesTylerESPN) September 12, 2015

Gomez – 5

Caught out badly when conceding a penalty, but looked comfortable in a quiet first half.

Milner – 5

In a game where his energy ought to have helped Liverpool against United’s midfield three, he was merely okay.

Lucas – 5

Showed why he was close to a move away from Anfield this summer. Won’t be a regular starter this season.

https://twitter.com/TheShanklyGate5/status/642750488908296192

Can – 5

By no means the worst of Liverpool’s midfield but could have shown more.

Firmino – 4

Hugely ineffective and missed a presentable chance before being withdrawn.

Benteke – 6

Stunning goal followed solid hold-up play, but moments of genius were few and far between.

Ings – 6

Worked hard but not capable of doing everything on his own. Showed enough promise to suggest he’ll be handy against different opposition.

Substitutes

Ibe – 7

Gave Liverpool a real sense of purpose after leaving the bench. The only player to really worry United’s defence.

Origi – N/A

Important for him to get game-time but he’ll grow with more minutes over the season.

Moreno – N/A

A very brief run-out for the Spaniard.

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