Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool: Five things noticed, including Erik ten Hag’s amateur mistake

Five things noticed as Manchester United suffered a horrid 3-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Against Liverpool, Erik ten Hag chose to start Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Alejandro Garnacho as the club prepared for their third Premier League fixture of the season ahead of the international break.

The tie started fast, with United maintaining possession before Trent Alexander-Arnold snuck one past André Onana, although the goal was ruled offside due to Mohammed Salah moments prior.

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs Liverpool (Premier League)

However, Liverpool kept knocking, and after a poor pass from Casemiro, Salah took advantage and clipped a lovely cross to Luis Diaz at the back post, who nodded in the opener.

Ten minutes later, Casemiro was shrugged off the ball. Salah then took advantage by finding Diaz, who zipped the ball low and past Onana. Suddenly, it was 2-0.

In the second half, youngster Toby Collyer replaced Casemiro, but Liverpool continued to stay strong and dominate. Salah scored a third after Kobbie Mainoo was shrugged off the ball in midfield.

Marcus Rashford provided Zirkzee with a few good chances, but to no avail, as the visiting side ran out 3-0 victors.

#1 – De Ligt making his mark

When it was announced that De Ligt’s first start would come against Liverpool, some questioned whether it was the right choice to put him in such a big game.

He answered brilliantly, starting well and making big early challenges alongside Lisandro Martínez. His main task was against Diogo Jota, and the Dutch centre-back proved his worth against the Portuguese international, keeping him quiet during the opening 30 minutes.

Neither of Liverpool’s first-half goals were his fault, and in the second half, his performance dropped slightly, much like the whole team. However, on an individual level, there were plenty of positives.

#2 – Casemiro, watch out

Many hoped Casemiro could recharge and rejuvenate after a poor end to the 2023/24 campaign, having come off a summer break and having a full pre-season—but the Liverpool game decimated these hopes.

He was solely responsible for both of Liverpool’s first-half goals, with his sharpness on the ball in a clear and steep decline as new midfield signing Manuel Ugarte watched on from the stands. From now on, there is a feeling that he won’t be a regular starter.

#3 – Midfield build-up errors

All three of Liverpool’s goals came from individual errors during the build-up phase in midfield. Liverpool utterly destroyed United’s midfield.

They were superior in every aspect, from physicality to intelligence. Bar Casemiro, it’s not as if United’s midfield options are poor players, but Ten Hag’s system does not get the best out of who he has available. If he can, that is another question that he has so far failed to answer.

In all honesty, although players must share the blame for their errors, they are caused by Ten Hag’s seemingly amateur setup. Mainoo’s error occurred because the player didn’t have the options. Casemiro’s errors feel like they partly stem from a lack of instruction.

#4 – Zirkzee’s first start

Zirkzee’s first start for United did not go according to plan, although this can be said for anyone who played in Red on Sunday. In the second half, Rashford supplied two great chances, but he could not guide the ball into the net.

However, there is a flip side. He was keen to get involved in the game and got himself into the right area to be given these chances, which will encourage both the fans and the manager.

As he gets up to speed with his teammates, goals will come, just like they did for his debut finish against Fulham two weeks ago. As he sat on the bench, he was comforted by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

#5 – A sour international break

United are going into the international break with a sour taste in their mouth, having lost so heavily against Liverpool.

However, with the internationals now taking over the media, this may be a good chance for Ten Hag to take stock, reset, and work out how they will continue from now on. Although key players like Martínez, Mainoo, and Fernandes will be away with their countries, many are staying at Carrington.

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