Part 2 of Manchester United vs Liverpool: Re-emerging Rashford and Sancho sink winless Liverpool
In part one of today’s pieces relating to the game at Old Trafford, the interesting feature of the game to watch would be how Erik ten Hag decided to set up his team against Liverpool, as it turned out, perfectly.
Firstly, he has apparently stamped out the ‘issue’ of Ronaldo, he appears happy enough to drop him in games he doesn’t suit his plan, this is excellent news for United fans as their strategy going forward should be tactically based instead of running on nostalgia as they had in previous years.
Additionally, he set his team out to be aggressive. Earlier today I speculated on whether United would sit in, look to hit the space behind Liverpool’s defence. They effectively did this but consistently harassed the Liverpool midfield into mistakes. New boys Martinez and Malacia shone at the back, they were both aggressive and front-footed in their defensive actions, Ten Hag also insured that there were few opportunities for their opponents to press them high. De Gea treated the ball like a hot potato and his defenders saw no shame in frequently smashing the ball into touch. Questions surrounding Martinez’ height have been put on hold until he next faces a physical striker, there is only so much you can learn from one game.
The plan was simple, but the signs have finally turned good for their new manager. Ten Hag was courageous in his selection and the emphasis on midfield assertion proved to be key, as Liverpool scrounged a few chances towards the end as United became cautious and briefly stood off.
Elanga’s selection may have surprised but his mobility in tandem with Rashford and Sancho (the pre-match identified threat) proved decisive, he should have scored the opener but struck the post. Sancho found the net in the first half, and was composure personified, he sent Milner flying as he pondered which of the goals gaping corners he would prefer to slotting the ball into. Rashford seized his chance in the second half, dispatching a 1v1 into the near post before sliding off into the corner of the Stretford end as we were once so accustomed to seeing.
United-hype should be kept in check, too much has been made of the running statistics, it is easier to run more when you have less of the ball, most opponents will not be expected to take the initiatives in these games. Jamie Carragher identified that they will have bigger problems when they face teams that enact the same plan against them, this is true.
In the end they saw the game off without too much issue, the biggest threat came from their own team, Fernandes hammered the ball goalward but it hit Martinez. The question of where they stand is a little clearer, United have reason to hope that the worst is behind them, Ten Hag clearly knows a thing or two about football, the reaction to a monumental win will be telling.
Liverpool looked tired yet again and have not only failed to win any of their first three, but were outplayed in two of them. Elliott and Carvalho show promise but an over-reliance on teenagers is apparent and worrying. Van Dijk was subject to an earful from Milner after the first goal, he has been accused of being too laidback, and has arguably been at fault for a goal every match so far this season.
Elsewhere, Trent Alexander-Arnold had few opportunities to express himself going up the pitch, there is clearly a lack of cover for him defensively and his side was exploited for both goals, this is becoming a frustrating reoccurrence. Luis Diaz’ influence was limited, Dalot dashing into him if he even dared to think of the ball. Roberto Firmino looked a shade of his former self, he occasionally drops deep and links play nicely, offering a glimpse of the player he can be, but the physical demands of that role appear to be overwhelming, he turns 31 this year and can’t be relied on to knit the front three together over the course of a season.
It is becoming more difficult to see them as Champions this season. There is a spate of absences in the squad, which is a big concern, but dependency on Thiago and Keita is proving fatal. There is no appropriate replacement, they are constantly injured, and the team’s system has been altered to accommodate them. Investment in this area is required and inevitable, but fans worry it will be too late. The question of their trajectory has tonight been answered: Nowhere good until that problem is addressed.
Ultimately the season is a marathon, but Liverpool’s games for months have all been uphill, energy sapping slogs. This cannot continue. United, boosted by a landmark victory and shiny new defensive midfielder can look ahead with cautious optimism.
