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Aron Wright - September 4, 2024
Manchester United were humiliated by Liverpool at Old Trafford, with a score line you already know, 3-0.
Six of the Man Utd players who started the game were Erik Ten Hag’s signings, two were promoted by him, summing it up to eight out of eleven players, this is the manager’s team now.
For me, Manchester United’s major issues at the moment is their midfield and Erik Ten Hag’s attacking selections. Walk with me while I dissect it my thoughts
Despite a busy transfer window, Manchester United’s deficiencies were there to see with Casemiro at fault for the first two Liverpool goals. The 32-year-old Brazilian midfielder was substituted at half time. Another new signing, Manuel Ugarte, was presented to the Old Trafford faithful, but is he the best option to replace the veteran midfielder?
Casemiro proved to be the solution to United’s problems as he greatly improved the side in his first season at the club. However, his performances have been underwhelming in recent months, as opponents skip past him in midfield as though he was invisible.
In possession, Casemiro is ambitious on the ball, attempting passes that only some of the best deep-lying playmakers attempt.
Sometimes, it’s okay to take risks but for a midfielder who plays in a deeper role and a team who has Bruno Fernandes in their ranks, it is very important that he plays safe.
Now the question is, can Manuel Ugarte solve this problem? If your answer is yes, you are right – if it is no, you are not wrong either.
Yes, because he is a more conservative player compared to Casemiro, and he is not easily affected by pressure, he will also cover more of the spaces Ten Hag’s tactics leave in the United’s setup.
No, in the sense that United leave a lot of space open behind when they are dispossessed, one player cannot cover it especially when the opposition creates an overload in United’s half.
Casemiro has played his best years behind him, his legs cannot carry him or shield United’s defense.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot said in his post-match press conference, “….and then you need midfielders that can run. We had three of them today that kept on running and if they arrive in the duel, they are aggressive enough to win it. That was one of the main reasons why we could win today.” This statement highlights the importance of running midfielders in every team.
United’s plans for defensive midfield rest on new arrival Ugarte’s integration into the starting XI, though he was not signed in time to face Liverpool. The Uruguay international is a proven ball-winner, yet he won’t be able to fix all of United’s struggles on his own.
In addition, United lacks the zeal to fight the league’s best teams from kick-off till closure. Several players are struggling to pass and receive the ball between the lines, making it difficult for the team to manipulate opponents and pull defenders out of position.
Considering United’s first two games of the season, changes were always expected from Ten Hag. Alejandro Garnacho deserved to be reinstated into the starting line-up, but it came at the expense of Amad Diallo, United’s goalscorer in the 2-1 loss to Brighton prior. Somehow, Marcus Rashford retained his place in the team.
Probably, Erik Ten Hag showed faith in Rashford because seven of his career goals have been in this fixture or because he is happy with his performances in this early part of the season.
Marcus Rashford displayed some good combinations with Diogo Dalot in the first half, in the second half he crossed twice to set up good goal-scoring chances for Joshua Zirkzee. Putting that aside, Rashford’s appearance against Liverpool was his third consecutive game without a shot, his last goal was against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final in March.
Until United’s attack begins to fire, Rashford’s performance will continue to be scrutinized.
A few boos were made by the fans when the substitution board showed Alejandro Garnacho’s number in the 69th minute, it was not hard to guess who they wanted replaced instead.
It is also important for Erik Ten Hag to note that some players’ profiles are best for certain matches. For instance, Joshua Zirkzee’s sleek touches and movement would be perfect against teams who are set in a low block, unlike Liverpool.
Hence, it would have been better if Marcus Rashford started up top, with Garnacho and Amad providing width on either flank.
Ten Hag’s switch to a 4-2-4 or 4-2-2-2 was to help the team remain impenetrable and resilient, but they have lost their attacking threats.
Erik Ten Hag once again preached for patience in his post-match presser, reminding everyone of his trophies at Old Trafford. The return of injured players should help United fix up as well, but they have little or no time on their side.
United have fallen, now they need to improve, and they must do that fast. Like the 2022/23 season, how Erik Ten Hag does that will define their season.
