'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hit: Roberto Firmino | Liverpool
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino hadn't scored a goal in any competition since the opener against Tottenham Hotspur in a 3-1 league win in January before this game. On Thursday, he left Old Trafford with two goals, which could go on to be some of the most important ones he's scored for the Reds as it could see them qualify for the UCL next season.
After a bleak season on a personal note, Firmino put in a fantastic display against Manchester United. He pressed the hosts relentlessly and made some dangerous runs to trouble a shaky defence. The 29-year-old timed his run from the free-kick to perfection and thumped the ball past Henderson, and his predatory instincts came to the fore for his second goal as he was in the right place at the right time.
Firmino scored with his two shots on target and created a further two chances for Liverpool. He was a lively presence up front for Klopp's men and could not have picked a better time or a better place to end his 15-game goal drought.
Flop: Fred | Manchester United
There were a host of options to choose from for the flops of the game, with the likes of Dean Henderson, Scott McTominay, Eric Bailly, and many others failing to cover themselves in glory. However, of all their flops, Manchester United's diminutive midfielder Fred deserves a special mention for an utterly shambolic display on the night.
The Brazilian was completely overrun in midfield and failed to provide any presence whatsoever in the middle for Manchester United to build on. Fred gave the ball away cheaply just outside his box which eventually led to Firmino's second of the night. It was the third time in as many games in which Fred lost the ball in a dangerous area which enabled the opposition to score, after doing so against AS Roma and Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old also passed the ball straight to a Liverpool player which could have led to another goal from his error if Jota hadn't smashed the ball onto the post. Much like his partner in midfield McTominay, Fred was poor on the ball and Liverpool evidently looked to press him on numerous occasions when in possession. Hooked for the last third of the game in favour of Mason Greenwood.
Hit: Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool
It is rather odd to see calls for a player hailed as one of the best right-backs in world football to be dropped from his own national side. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold's display on Thursday was a timely reminder of why he's regarded so highly. The 22-year-old was, simply put, the best player on the Old Trafford pitch in one of Liverpool's most crucial games of the season.
Alexander-Arnold ran the show from the right-hand side, producing a host of brilliant deliveries for Liverpool and winning back possession on the defensive end. He recorded more recoveries (14) and created more chances than anyone on the pitch (five). The Englishman also had more touches of the ball (86) than any other player and was comfortably the most influential player on the night.
His fiercely-struck effort on goal indirectly led to Liverpool's third on the night and Alexander-Arnold set up Firmino for the second with a beautiful delivery from a set-piece. He was deservedly awarded Man of the Match for his sublime showing.
With Gareth Southgate watching on from the stands, it's safe to say that Alexander-Arnold has given him some food for thought ahead of the UEFA Euros in terms of the Three Lions' team selection.
Also read: 5 Players with most nutmegs in Europe this season (2020/21)
