Liverpool lost 3-1 to Manchester United in the final of the International Champions Trophy. Henry Jackson rates on each Reds player on the night.
SIMON MIGNOLET- 6 (out of 10)
The 26-year-old could do nothing about any of United’s goals, and was solid when called upon, especially from crosses.
MARTIN KELLY- 6
Kelly still looks rather limited following his injury woes, but he had a fairly decent game against tough opposition.
The 24-year-old supported the attacks well, and fired one ambitious effort wide.
MARTIN SKRTEL- 6
Skrtel was more unnoticed than Sakho at the heart of the defence, but he was largely solid throughout. He could have done better for Rooney’s goal, however.
MAMADOU SAKHO- 8
The 24-year-old was superb until he was replaced with 17 minutes remaining (due to fitness, this being pre-season after all). One of the Reds’ best players on the night.
He made a vital early challenge to deny Javier Hernandez, and his dominance in the air and passing accuracy were also very impressive.
GLEN JOHNSON- 6
Having endured some very poor displays of late, Johnson was better, if far from perfect, against United.
The 29-year-old got forward well from left-back, but he was guilty of running into trouble at times and looking typically lackadaisical in possession.
STEVEN GERRARD- 6
The skipper was slightly reckless in the tackle, giving away several needless free-kicks, but his distribution was as good as ever.
His nerveless penalty gave Liverpool the lead in the first-half.
JOE ALLEN- 6
The Welshman was quiet during his 61 minutes on the pitch, not doing anything wrong but also failing to influence proceedings like he did against AC Milan at the weekend.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 6
Having enjoyed an excellent pre-season, Henderson was fairly quiet by his high standards. He never stopped running and his passing was good, but he just struggled to have his usual influence on proceedings.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 8
The brilliant Brazilian was an absolute joy to watch at times, producing moments of superb individual skill and creativity.
His link-up play with Sterling was extremely promising, and you can’t help but feel the 22-year-old has a big season ahead of him, injury permitting.
RICKIE LAMBERT- 5
It has not been a good start to Lambert’s Liverpool career, and he was the one player who looked completely off the pace.
The 32-year-old’s touch was heavy, and his lack movement caused United’s defence few problems. It’s far from panic stations, but he needs to improve.
RAHEEM STERLING- 8
Along with Coutinho, Sterling was Liverpool’s outstanding performer on the night.
The 19-year-old showed electrifying pace, quick feet and a good work-rate, and outlined exactly why he is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.
Substitutes
LUCAS LEIVA (on for Gerrard 61)- 6
The 27-year-old didn’t add much to the side when he replaced Gerrard, but he was solid and unspectacular as ever.
EMRE CAN (on for Allen 61)- 6
Can has been a big positive so far this summer, and although he didn’t do a huge amount when he came on, he brings extra pace and power to the midfield.
JORDON IBE (on for Lambert 61)- 7
The 18-year-old was very lively when he came on, taking players on and adding a spark that was lacking in attack when Lambert was on the pitch.
KOLO TOURE (on for Sakho 73)- n/a
Wasn’t involved enough to have an impact on the game.
KRIS PETERSON (on for Coutinho 76)- n/a
Not enough time to affect the game.
Who was your star man for Liverpool in the loss to Manchester United? Let us know in the comments section below.
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