Liverpool v Manchester United: player ratings
Read Telegraph Sport's marks out of 10 for the players in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat of Manchester United at Anfield.
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Joint effort: Luis Suz (left) and Dirk Kuyt celebrate Liverpool's opening goal Photo: AP
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Busy day: Kuyt was among the goals and turned in a typically hard-working performance Photo: ACTION IMAGES
By Rory Smith 6:29PM GMT 06 Mar 2011
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Liverpool
Pepe Reina
Although his distribution was not at its usual impeccable best, the Spanish international enjoyed a relatively unflustered afternoon. Could do little to prevent Javier Hernández's consolation. 6/10
Glen Johnson
The England international right-back appears to be more effective - and more comfortable - on the left, where he switched after Fabio Aurelio's injury. 7
Martin Skrtel
Detailed to mark Dimitar Berbatov, the Slovak dominated the Premier League's leading goalscorer, particularly in the air, condemning him to a frustrating afternoon. 8
Jamie Carragher
Coped well with the switch to right-back after Aurelio's injury, but was fortunate not to have been dismissed after leaving a gash in Nani's shin. 7
Fabio Aurelio
The Brazilian international acquitted himself well until being substituted with a hamstring injury just 26 minutes in, keeping Nani subdued in the early stages. 6
Raul Meireles
Combined well with Luis Suárez and Steven Gerrard in the early stages but was unable to influence the game as he would wish from an unfamiliar right-wing role. 6
Steven Gerrard
Playing despite increasing injury concerns, the Liverpool captain offered a typically spirited, determined performance. He seems to enjoy facing United. 7
Lucas
Much of the work the Brazilian does goes unnoticed, but he was instrumental yet again in breaking up any nascent rhythm the visitors developed. 8
Maxi Rodríguez
Another whose contribution is easy to overlook, but key to knitting together Liverpool's attack. Switched wings with Meireles frequently in a fluid system. 8
Dirk Kuyt
The first Liverpool player to score a hat-trick in 21 years against Manchester United, and possibly the first player ever to score a hat-trick from a total of five yards. 8
Luis Suárez
The new darling of the Kop. Fernando Torres's defection may still rankle, but Anfield has a new hero. Suárez inspired this victory, contributing to all three goals. 9
Substitutes: Sotirios Kyrgiakos replaced Fabio Aurelio in the 26th minute and slotted in easily alongside Martin Skrtel; Andy Carroll enjoyed a quiet debut after replacing Meireles in the 74th minute; Joe Cole came on in the 89th for Suárez.
Manchester United
Edwin van der Sar
The veteran Dutchman will not have fond memories of his final trip to Anfield. He will particularly feel he could have dealt with Kuyt's third strike substantially better. 5
Rafael
Only saved from a sending off by Phil Dowd's leniency following Jamie Carragher's tackle on Nani a heartbeat earlier, the young Brazilian made little attacking impact and looked nervy in defence. 5
Chris Smalling
Not quite the composed performances he offered in Marseille and against Chelsea, but far from United's worst player at Anfield. Many would have struggled to contain Suárez. 6
Wes Brown
The former England man has only played twice in the league this season and his ring-rustiness showed. Liverpool's attacking fluidity appeared to fox him. 5
Patrice Evra
Committed and determined, United's captain did as much as anyone in trying to get his side going in the second half, driving forward at every available opportunity. 7
Nani
The deep gash left on his right leg by Jamie Carragher will heal eventually; the memories of the error which handed Liverpool their second goal may take longer to fade. 5
Michael Carrick
Careless in possession and easily flustered by the intensity of Lucas and Gerrard. That Sir Alex Ferguson did not remove the England man, instead substituting Paul Scholes, was baffling. 5
Paul Scholes
A surprisingly lacklustre start - he gave the ball away twice in two minutes, an almost unprecedented event - but soon regained his composure. 6
Ryan Giggs
Impressive on his record 607th league appearance for the club, but unable to stave off defeat. Even at 37, his balance and touch remains a matter of wonder. 7
Wayne Rooney
Busy, bustling, but ultimately ineffective. Rooney did all he could to spark his side, but Nani's departure forced him into a left-wing role he does not enjoy. 6
Dimitar Berbatov
One remarkable piece of control aside, the Bulgarian did nothing. His dejection at his poor display spilled over in the second half, to the Kop's delight. 6
Substitutes: Javier Hernández replaced Nani in the 45th minute and scored a consolation goal in injury time; John O'Shea came on for Rafael after 76 minutes but had little chance to impress; Darren Fletcher was introduced after 83 minutes, ostensibly to stop Scholes getting sent off.
fabio aurelio, steven gerrard, telegraph sport, photo action, injury concerns, action images, england international, manchester united player, hern, nani, suz, consolation, rory, premier league, liverpool, dirk, slovak, rhythm, nbsp, game
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