Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool concluded their promising pre-season campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United in South Carolina.
In the 10th minute, Fabio Carvalho found the net for Liverpool, followed by Curtis Jones doubling the advantage just before halftime. Kostas Tsimikas sealed the win by scoring the third goal from close range.
Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele was present in South Carolina, and you can find his player ratings below.
Fabio Carvalho celebrates his opening goal as Liverpool beat Manchester United
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
It must be frustrating knowing he can excel in pre-season but will likely revert to being second choice behind Alisson come the league opener. Kelleher made numerous crucial saves in the first half to thwart Mount and Rashford on several occasions, earning him the man of the match accolade.
Conor Bradley – 7.5
A moment of exasperation for Slot occurred when Bradley threw the ball out for a throw-in, missing an opportunity to be more composed. Nevertheless, he had another standout performance, particularly for his involvement in Liverpool’s third goal.
Jarell Quansah – 7
Although Rashford easily dribbled past him on one occasion, Quansah has emerged as a significant positive throughout the tour and is making a strong case to start in the Premier League opener against Ipswich.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
In his first game under Slot, Konate initially struggled with heavy touches but eventually found his footing. With Quansah’s rise, he may need to prove his worth to secure a starting position this week.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7.5
Having started three games on this tour, Tsimikas has performed well, despite minor lapses, like being at fault for an Arsenal goal. He was perfectly positioned to net Liverpool’s third following a well-executed team move.
Kostas Tsimikas scored the third goal for Liverpool and has, overall, impressed under Slot
Curtis Jones, who is loving life with Arne Slot as coach, scored Liverpool’s second vs United
Curtis Jones – 6.5
Having expressed his enjoyment playing under Slot, Jones feels that the system suits him well. Despite a few careless touches throughout the matches, he had an impressive two weeks, highlighted by his goal after a remarkable run into the box.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
It was his first appearance on the tour after joining the squad in Philadelphia. This season is pivotal for the Dutch player following an inconsistent debut season in the Premier League. He performed well in a deeper role, contributing effectively on and off the ball.
Mohamed Salah – 7.5
While it’s often redundant to mention, Salah delivered yet another dazzling performance. He continued to be a persistent threat on the right flank for Liverpool.
Harvey Elliott – 7.5
Elliott has emerged as one of the top highlights of the tour with three standout performances, especially in the latter matches. He shows immense potential in the No 10 role, consistently seeking the ball and driving through midfield, though occasionally tending to hold onto possession a bit too long.
Harvey Elliott has enjoyed a brilliant tour for Liverpool and had another great display here
Fabio Carvalho – 7
Carvalho is undoubtedly making his case to remain in Liverpool’s plans this season. His goal was well taken, but his skillful turn to evade Casemiro was even more impressive. Overall, he had a solid tour, although he occasionally vanished from matches.
Diogo Jota – 7
Jota kept the play alive for Liverpool’s first goal while United’s defenders were caught off guard. It would be surprising if he wasn’t selected as the No. 9 in the upcoming Premier League match, assuming Darwin Nunez returns to Merseyside this week.
Substitutes
Vitek Jaros (for Kelleher 46)
Sepp Van den Berg (for Konate 46)
Trey Nyoni (for Jones 59)
Ben Doak (for Salah 66)
Harvey Blair (for Jota 66)
Stefan Bajcetic (for Elliott 66)
Luke Chambers (for Tsimikas 66)
Wataru Endo (for Gravenberch 66)
Tyler Morton (for Carvalho 66)
Nat Phillips (for Quansah 66)
Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic, Luke Chambers, Nat Phillips, Ben Doak, Tyler Morton, Harvey Blair, Luca Stephenson, Trey Nyoni.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3)
Andre Onana – 6
Onana had little chance with Liverpool’s first two goals but made a mistake with the third, failing to clear Jota’s shot effectively, allowing Tsimikas to score. His distribution was solid, but he was often let down by the motionless defenders in front of him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
He made some solid forward runs and was unfortunate with both goals; the first was deflected off his foot, while he narrowly missed intercepting Jones’ goal.
Victor Lindelof – 5
As the season begins, United’s defensive woes continue. Lindelof struggled against Liverpool’s rapid attackers who frequently exploited open spaces.
Jonny Evans – 5
Evans, now at 36 years old, isn’t among United’s starting defenders but will be relied upon due to injuries in the squad, including new signing Lenny Yoro.
Harry Amass – 6
Amass has had a commendable pre-season and is vying for a place in next weekend’s Community Shield final, albeit had a tough game against Salah.
Casemiro – 4
Casemiro is long past his prime. He was easily outmaneuvered during Liverpool’s opener when Carvalho turned him effortlessly, exposing his lack of pace.
Toby Collyer – 6
Collyer worked tirelessly in the midfield and remains a viable option for Ten Hag as the new season approaches.
Amad Diallo – 6.5
Diallo showcased some promising moments during the tour, displaying flair and confidence. He evaded Van den Berg on one occasion, but the final product was lacking.
Mason Mount – 7
Mount delivered a commendable performance, playing just off striker Sancho. He could have netted a couple of goals in the early minutes but was thwarted by stellar saves.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Rashford was United’s most dynamic player, particularly in the first half. Operating on the left wing, he effortlessly maneuvered past Quansah and consistently posed a threat, forcing Kelleher into several early saves.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Sancho, lining up as a No. 9, displayed some nice touches but also had moments of poor ball control. He missed a critical header from close range and seemed fatigued toward match’s end.
Substitutes:
Rhys Bennett (for Lindelof 46)
Will Fish (for Evans 46)
Scott McTominay (for Rashford 46)
Antony (for Amad 60)
Ethan Wheatley (for Mount 60)
Christian Eriksen (for Collyer 60)
James Scanlon (for Wan-Bissaka 83)
Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Sam Murray, Jack Fletcher, Hannibal, Sam Mather, Maxi Oyedele.
