In the last match of Round Three of the English Premier League 2022–23 season, Manchester United hosts their fiercest rival, Liverpool, at Old Trafford. Both clubs have failed to win in their first two games, with Liverpool picking up one point in each of both games while Manchester United lost both games. For two of the top clubs in England, this match is crucial.
Last week, Manchester United lost to Brentford in an embarrassing 0-4 loss. One goal has been scored by the Red Devils, and it was an own goal scored against Brighton. With an average xG rate of 0.94, Erik ten Hag’s team is finding it difficult to worry the opposition.
Manchester United defeated Liverpool 2-1 on Monday night at Old Trafford.
On 16 minutes, Jadon Sancho scored after Anthony Elanga’s low cross from the left flank.
At 53 minutes, Marcus Rashford increased United’s advantage on a counter-attack after Anthony Martial slipped him through with a superb move.
After David de Gea was unable to stop an effort from Fabio Carvalho in the 81st minute, Mohamed Salah scored to put the Reds back in the game.
Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford’s goals were enough to secure the victory and allow Manchester United to pass Jurgen Klopp’s team in the Premier League standings.
GAMEPLAN
Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo were omitted from the starting eleven by Erik ten Hag, but the additions of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, and Lisandro Martinez, as well as Scott McTominay, Raphael Varane, and Diogo Dalot, fully supported those significant decisions.
In fact, every single United player gave their all for the team, and this was a highly encouraging response to their dismal losses to Brentford and Brighton to start the season.
The 4-2-3-1 formation used by Manchester United was quite effective because Rashford was able to sneak behind the Liverpool fullbacks in the centre, while Elanga and Sancho also held them back. Erik ten Hag made a risky play, but it was made possible by a completely dominant midfield.
With the exception of a 15-minute stretch towards the conclusion of the first half, McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, and Eriksen all exhausted themselves, Liverpool was never given the opportunity to control the game’s pace. After that, United had quality in the final third to pay off all of their effort.
KEY POINTERS
- The absence of Thiago and Naby Keita is a setback, but Jordan Henderson was unable to control the situation on his own, while Fabinho was greatly missed, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez severely exposed. This encounter revealed Liverpool’s dearth of midfield additions, and Klopp may well ask his board for a midfield addition before the window closes.
- The game’s tempo was established by Lisandro Martinez’s early challenge on Mohamed Salah. When encouraged to play on the front foot, he repeatedly launched himself into tackles and looked much better. Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, and Diogo Dalot all benefited from Martinez’s vigour.
- Scott McTominay never stopped running. Great intent in the middle and frequently helped United jump out in ahead.
- United bullied Liverpool. Liverpool doesn’t experience that frequently, if ever. Erik ten Hag anticipated a response, and he most definitely got one.
A NEW BEGINNING
Even better, the Red Devils are expected to finalise the signing of winger Antony from Ajax WITHIN the NEXT WEEK after apparently reaching an agreement on personal terms with the player.
According to reports, executives from Manchester United are scheduled to travel to Barcelona this week to try to finalise a deal for Frenkie de Jong. The United management has been convinced to make another try to sign De Jong following constructive discussions with the player himself, and Erik ten Hag is still determined to add the Dutchman to his side.
Manchester United’s latest summer signing Casemiro has arrived at Old Trafford and the Brazil international got his first taste of life in Manchester as he was escorted into Old Trafford just hours before kick-off.
Image credit: Teamtalk
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