128 completed passes, 3 interceptions…Jordan Henderson ran the show vs Manchester United

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Jordan Henderson put in a performance to remember against Manchester United on Sunday. The Liverpool captain was magnificent in the middle.

Jordan Henderson had a difficult task at Old Trafford. Fabinho couldn’t play, meaning the captain would be in the holding role once again. On top of that, James Milner and Naby Keita would flank him.

Now, that midfield smashed Watford 5-0 last week but they also struggled to contain Atletico Madrid in midweek. Atletico’s trickier players were able to move past midfield with the ball, creating chances in the first half.

Jurgen Klopp switched things up at half-time, bringing on Fabinho. There would be no such option against Manchester United, however.

Thus Henderson had to marshall a midfield that looked a little shaky. He had to watch Bruno Fernandes in the middle, too, as United’s array of world-class attacking players looked to make things happen.

With all that in mind, the Liverpool captain produced something truly special.

Jordan Henderson vs United

Henderson ran this game. That’s barely even an opinion – we can’t remember such a ridiculously dominant passing display by a Liverpool midfielder.

He completed 128. That’s 48 more than anyone else on the pitch. What makes it even more ridiculous is that he completed 96 of his attempts. United couldn’t get near him.

Three of those passes created chances, too. One stands out in that regard – his assist to Mohamed Salah for Liverpool’s fifth.

We went into detail on that pass here as we were far from the only ones raving about it. Henderson produced a magnificent pass with the outside of his foot, curling the ball around Harry Maguire and taking him out of the game.

Henderson wasn’t quite as strong without the ball, getting dribbled three times. Still, he made sure that didn’t happen in key areas, while he still won two tackles.

Throw in three interceptions and the captain certainly made a positive impact defensively, too.

But one stat really shows how well Henderson did. He had 144 touches in total – 31 more than anyone else – and yet United didn’t dispossess him once.

‘Ran the show’ is perhaps overused at this point but Henderson did just that at Old Trafford. With all the focus on Liverpool’s attacking brilliance – and rightfully so – it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate a masterful performance in the middle.

All stats per Whoscored.