Manchester United faced one of their toughest challenges of the season on Sunday afternoon, and they faltered dramatically. Under Erik ten Hag’s management, United started the match with energy and optimism, putting early pressure on Liverpool. However, their momentum quickly faded when Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Liverpool.
Diaz then added a second goal just before halftime, further demoralizing United. Things worsened after the break as Liverpool maintained their relentless attack, with Mohamed Salah extending their lead. By then, any hopes of a United comeback had disappeared.
The absence of new signing Manuel Ugarte, who wasn’t registered in time for the match, was notably felt. United struggled in midfield, particularly with Casemiro having one of his worst performances for the club while paired with the young Kobbie Mainoo. Casemiro’s defensive vulnerabilities and error-prone passing underscored United’s need for a dynamic presence in midfield, which Ugarte might have provided.
As United prepares for their next match against Southampton, including Ugarte in the starting lineup has become imperative. While United has often relied on moments of individual brilliance, Ten Hag must now work to build a cohesive team identity that can endure regardless of the players on the field.
United showed glimpses of potential during the first 10 minutes against Liverpool, with aggressive pressing and structured build-up play. However, as the game progressed, they lost their shape and fell into disarray. This defeat highlights that building a successful team takes time, but patience among fans and the board is wearing thin.
Amad Diallo’s exclusion from the starting lineup was another contentious issue. Despite scoring in the previous week’s match against Brighton and delivering a solid performance in the Community Shield, Amad was left out, with Ten Hag opting to bring in Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Alejandro Garnacho instead. Amad’s impact off the bench against Liverpool was immediate, leading to boos from the Old Trafford crowd who wanted to see him start alongside Garnacho.
One positive takeaway was the emerging central defensive partnership between Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt. De Ligt, who made his full debut, delivered an outstanding performance. However, United’s defense still requires better protection from midfield.
Another pressing concern is Marcus Rashford’s ongoing poor form. Despite his historical success against Liverpool, Rashford looked out of sorts again, and he risks losing his place in the starting lineup.
Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool exposed several issues Erik ten Hag needs to address. The absence of Ugarte in midfield was particularly felt, while the defense, despite showing promise, lacks adequate support. Additionally, Amad Diallo’s omission and Rashford’s continued struggles are challenges that must be resolved as United looks to stabilize the team ahead of their next match against Southampton.
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