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Manchester United hosted their arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday afternoon at Outdated Trafford.
The Crimson Devils beat the Liverpudlians in an epic 4-3 FA Cup encounter on St Patricks Day however entered the event in no type of type, drawing 1-1 with Brentford and themselves popping out on the unsuitable finish of a chaotic 4-3 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night time.
Andre Onana began in nets as per standard and the centre again pairing was Willy Kambwala and Harry Maguire as a result of harm disaster United are at the moment struggling.
Diogo Dalot began in his standard proper again spot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka deputised on the left to attempt to take care of the Mo Salah menace.
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo shaped the bottom of the midfield with Bruno Fernandes roaming in entrance of them.
Rasmus Hojlund led the road with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho flanking him on both aspect.
Here’s what we realized from the north-west derby.
United are incapable of shutting up store
In 2024, no group in Europe’s high 5 leagues have conceded extra photographs on purpose than Manchester United and immediately was no exception.
The logical strategy to enjoying in opposition to a superior aspect resembling Liverpool can be to play protected and maintain a bought form behind the ball, seeking to decide them off on the counter.
Not Erik ten Hag’s United, who launched ahead and left large areas for Jurgen Klopp’s group to assault at will.
The Crimson Devils one once more confirmed their ineptitude defensively from one other set piece for Liverpool’s opening purpose of the match.
Darwin Nunez peeled off his marker and flicked the ball onto Luis Diaz to volley dwelling with all of the house he might dream of.
The United midfield, as standard, failed to supply any actual safety to the weakened defence and the Merseysiders reached the Stretford Finish purpose at will within the first half.
After conceding 31 photographs in opposition to Brentford and 28 versus Chelsea, the Outdated Trafford aspect allowed 26 makes an attempt versus their previous rivals.
Erik ten Hag might not see the issue however this fashion of soccer is clearly incompatible with a critical group who’ve ambitions to qualify for Europe, by no means thoughts win trophies.
It have to be mentioned the group efficiency did decide up considerably within the second half however the issues which have plagued the aspect all year long appear no nearer to being solved.
Willy Kambwala stands up tall
In essentially the most testing of circumstances, United’s younger French centre again might maintain his head excessive after the match.
His efficiency was removed from excellent and contained the odd error, however he was sturdy within the problem and made his bodily presence felt in opposition to the Liverpool ahead line.
The teen was not fazed by the spectacle and usually stepped as much as nip the ball off the forwards.
He was additionally sturdy within the air, making quite a few headed clearances.
There was a second early on within the second half the place Kambwala confirmed his class, expertly sticking with Darwin Nunez and wrestling the ball off the Uruguayan, earlier than successful the foul for himself. A beautiful piece of defending.
While no person might deny United’s general defensive efficiency was poor, the 19 12 months previous did his possibilities of gaining extra first group minutes no hurt in any respect.
With the way forward for quite a few centre backs on the membership very a lot up within the air this summer time, Kambwala could also be showcasing his expertise at precisely the appropriate time for his United profession.
Bruno Fernandes is at all times able to the chic
Like each United participant this marketing campaign, Bruno Fernandes has had his ups and downs.
This season has hardly been a basic for the Portuguese however usually he has stood up when his group wanted him, identical to he at all times has since his arrival in 2020.
Fernandes grabbed a vital equaliser for the Crimson Devils in the beginning of the second half when a free ball by Jarell Quansah was expertly lofted over the Liverpool keeper from contained in the centre circle.
It was an outrageous purpose and the arrogance to take it on in a North West derby, together with his group 1-0 now and enjoying so poorly, speaks volumes of the standard of the participant.
The strike was his ninth of the season, to associate with his 9 assists that he has racked up.
The United captain will at all times have his justifiable share of critics however as soon as once more, he stood up when his aspect wanted him most and confirmed the world precisely what he’s able to at any time in any recreation.
Kobbie Mainoo is a particular expertise
To not be outdone by his captain, United’s excellent 18 12 months previous, Kobbie Mainoo, scored one other purpose that might be mentioned at Outdated Trafford for generations.
After combining effectively with fellow teenager, Alejandro Garnacho, the teen nonchalantly twisted across the Liverpool defender and curled a surprising effort into the highest nook, underlining his ridiculous expertise.
The Stockport native’s rise this season has been a pleasure to look at however in truth, the toll of getting to carry collectively United’s midfield largely by himself at 18 years previous has begun to meet up with him, as his affect has waned in current weeks.
Nevertheless, United’s second purpose of the sport was a beautiful reminder of what a gem the Crimson Devils have on their fingers.
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