Five talking points as Manchester United fall to 7-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield

Manchester United were embarrassingly defeated 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, as their unbeaten streak ends. 

Despite their half chances, United underwhelmed in the first half; Cody Gakpo punished that, and they were further picked apart in the second half as Liverpool scored seven to make it the biggest defeat to Liverpool in history.

Here are the five talking points from the contest at Anfield: 

Is fatigue starting to catch up?

In the last 18 days, Manchester United have played six games — specifically the two legs against Barcelona and the cup final against Newcastle — which were physically and mentally taxing games that would take a lot out of any squad, no matter how big or small. 

It showed for large parts of the game; 2nd to loose balls, a lack of contest in duels and acres of space between the lines indicate a side starting to tire.   

The fatigue is starting to show within Erik ten Hag’s side. And with the Reds still left in three competitions, they may be starting to waver at the worst possible time. 

If not Rashford, who? 

Marcus Rashford has been United’s go-to-man this season. His 25 goals rank superior within the squad, with the next best being Bruno Fernandes (7). 

United have looked to him to provide the goods, and more often than not, he has produced. But if he isn’t close to his devastating best, United are usually left unthreatening in the opposition’s box. 

Rashford, who operated as a striker against Liverpool, was left contained for much of the match by Liverpool’s centre-backs. And his supporting cast lacked the intimidating presence needed to pose a threat to their opposition’s backline. 

Ten Hag’s stubbornness proves costly

United were underwhelming in the first half. There were issues within the team that needed addressing if they were to come out of the game with a result. 

However, those changes weren’t addressed by Tne Hag during the half-time break; personnel and system remained going into the first half, and Liverpool exploited the stubbornness shown by Ten Hag onto his team. 

Ten Hag’s personality has been an endearing factor in his reign, but one of his main strengths was proven to be a flaw. 

Anfield’s aura still holds over Manchester United 

When Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United went to Anfield last year and lost 4-0, it felt like it couldn’t have gotten worse. 

But a year later, Anfield still holds a formidable presence over United. 

Erik ten Hag’s first competitive win was over Liverpool in a 2-1 win at Old Trafford. At the time, it seemed like the Reds were healing from a dominance Liverpool ruled over them last year, but the defeat at Anfield was a bitter reminder that with all the progression the club has made and all the barriers broken; a win at Anfield still remains far from conceivable. 

Rome wasn’t built in a day 

The meaning “Rome wasn’t built in a day” has never rung truer than today. 

Erik ten Hag’s tenure at United has been promising, and the majority of the signs have been encouraging for fans to get behind him. 

But there is still a lot of work to be done if United are to get back to their glory days, and no one said it was going to be quick. 

Read More: Player Ratings: Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United (Premier League)