I can definitely say that not many saw that result coming! Manchester United had a shock result at home as they beat Liverpool 2-1 in what was a very convincing performance. Liverpool were outrun and outclassed on the day as Erik ten Hag’s reds overtook them in the league. What were the key talking points about the game, and who’s our MOTM?
Dynamic forwards
The front line of Elanga-Rashford-Sancho caused for some concerns pre-game but definitely lived up to the battle. The trio looked lively, constantly trying to take on the Liverpool defenders and beat them.
Elanga was very impressive yesterday, his willingness to get at Alexander-Arnold and Gomez resulted in Trent getting his yellow card, meaning he would have to be very cautious for the rest of the game. Elanga’s positioning for his 1 vs 1 with Alisson was super, he was playing much more direct and ran into the CF space, allowing Bruno to play the pass through and almost score. A huge improvement for him today!
Rashford and Sancho were obviously clinical to get their goals, but their defensive contribution went under the radar yesterday. They covered lots of distance to help in defensive transitions and were constantly applying pressure on the Liverpool defence. Great performance from them!
Martial was another one who was very good when he came on at half time. The forward’s back to goal play was missed by United in their opening games, as well as his line-breaking passes and general dribbling play. Hopefully the forward can stay fit in order to facilitate the rest of the attackers!
Defensive Stability
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane were unbeatable yesterday, Liverpool found no luck against the duo as they were constantly winning every battle.
The pair appear to complement each other extremely well, Martinez being the aggressor and Varane being the cover defender. They also communicated together well yesterday in what was a back-line which could speak very similar languages (could be the reason). Let’s hope that Varane can stay fit as he was incredible on his first full game back yesterday. If the duo continue like this, Maguire may struggle to get back into the side, however it all depends on the opposition!
Malacia Masterclass
Where do I start with this one, Tyrell Malacia made his full home debut in Manchester United’s biggest game of the season yet he looked completely unphased by it! He kept Salah quiet all game (bar the goal which was from a set piece), and was very strong offensively too. There’s not really much to say about him, if that’s how his full debut is, I can’t wait to see how he continues to improve. Shaw may struggle to get back into the side with that performance too…
Midfield Balance
Yesterday a midfield of Scott-Eriksen & Bruno worked well, but in the long-run will it continue to work well against other opposition? Liverpool’s midfield was arguably the weakest United have played this season and they over-ran it with ease, however, does the correct balance exist in that midfield?
With the signing of Casemiro completed, it’s likely that he will start for the foreseeable future, Bruno Fernandes also appears to have his position locked down, so who will be the final midfielder? Scott and Eriksen both played well yesterday in different roles, against low blocks, Eriksen will most likely be favoured due to his ability to pick passes and unlock the opposition’s defence, but if we were to counter-attack then Scott may be favoured. Either way, the duo deserve praise for their excellent work in midfield.
Captain Fernandes
Fernandes was great on the ball, but more importantly, he was a top leader in the victory. He organised the team well and was also getting right at the Liverpool players, ‘rattling’ their fans with his wind-up tactics, as seen when Liverpool scored. If Maguire is left out of the team again, Fernandes should keep the vice-captaincy as he is a great leader and is what the team need (when he isn’t constantly moaning).
Man of The Match
Our MOTM was without a doubt Lisandro Martinez! The ‘butcher’ was everywhere yesterday, putting his body on the line in numerous situations and constantly won possession for his side. He led the back line and lived up to the occasion, hopefully that’s a glimpse of what’s coming with him!
