Gary Neville explains Manchester United change Erik ten Hag must make vs Liverpool

Gary Neville has explained a change that Erik ten Hag must make when Manchester United face Liverpool next Sunday.

Following their opening-day victory over Fulham, Manchester United were stunned by Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

The match began with both teams evenly matched, but Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute when Danny Welbeck scored past Erik ten Hag’s defence. Marcus Rashford quickly responded, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

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In the second half, Amad Diallo found the net to equalize, but Alejandro Garnacho’s subsequent goal was disallowed for offside, as the ball had brushed off Joshua Zirkzee before going in. Antony also had a chance but couldn’t convert it.

With the game drawing to a close, Joao Pedro found space at the back post and headed in the decisive goal with just moments remaining.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville explained that he feels the squad’s balance is not right and that the system must change against Liverpool.

“The balance isn’t right,” he explained. “That 4-2-2-2, which Erik ten Hag is going with, I don’t mind it, but I would’ve thought Amad and Rashford would be split strikers in a box midfield. But we’re finding at times that those two are so wide they’ve got nothing up front at all.

“He [Ten Hag] had to correct it at half-time, and he has to correct it against Fulham in the second half as well. I’d expect next week, they’re going to change the system against Liverpool.

“It’s very difficult to play football without a centre-forward. It’s almost as if they gave away the first half. They didn’t play badly, but it was nothing, really. United’s game began at half-time.”

United’s opening two results, despite the last-minute loss against Brighton, have been encouraging. Individuals such as Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount have shone, while Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui, and Matthijs de Ligt are embedding themselves within the team.

Liverpool represents the team’s second game of the season at Old Trafford and the final tie before the September international break.

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