Based on the recent form guide between these two giants of the English game heading into this historic match; on would be forgiven for thinking that perhaps the scoreboard was a tad bit faulty when it displayed Man Utd 2 - 0 Liverpool.
Make no mistake, that score line was a fair reflection of the game. There was a certain determination in the United team that has long been relegated to the Sir Alex Ferguson years. After the first two underwhelming results to start the season, questions were being asked on Ten Hag. Will he abandon his traditional ball possession based football with defenders and a goalkeeper who’s comfortable on the ball? Or will he realize that he does not yet have the personnel to execute his instructions to the letter?
What we saw today was nothing any of us expected, including Klopp. United were intense with Sancho leading the high press and backed up expertly by Rashford or Elanga depending on the ball position.
Liverpool had no outlet, Milner is slow on the turn and that allowed United to win the ball higher up the field and put pressure on the Liverpool defense.
What I found most impressive was how United were able to suffer without the ball for most parts of the second half, yet still had an outlet for a quick counter. (Ole would’ve been proud)
As impressive a victory as this was for United, it also highlighted some areas for improvement such as when Liverpool went directly over the midfield to use their fast players. Perhaps United should not hurry to play a high line and instead settle for a mid block as Casimero should provide enough cover for the slow defense.
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