Manchester United have drawn 0-0 against Liverpool at Anfield in a game that really struggled to inspire in what was a dull encounter.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United came into the game with the pressure possibly the most it has been on the Dutchman.
United, however, weathered the storm of the game and had a couple of chances of their own to potentially pick up an unlikely win.
Diogo Dalot was sent off late on for dissent but the Red Devils got through the last knockings of the game.
Here are five things we learned from the drab encounter.
McTominay’s struggles
Despite the Scottish midfielder having five Premier League goals for the Red Devils this season, Scott McTominay once again struggled to impose himself on the game and was rather overshadowed by his 18-year-old midfield partner Kobbie Mainoo, who looked much more composed for United.
McTominay was named captain of United and it seemed a strange decision when the team news was announced an hour before kick-off and the midfielder struggled hugely to justify that decision made by Ten Hag.
With Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen missing, McTominay was pushed further forward to get the best out of his late runs into the box but the Scotsman hardly had a kick.
Amrabat exposed
After a positive performance against Chelsea, it looked like Sofyan Amrabat had finally arrived in Manchester after a rather underwhelming start to his career in England.
However, the Moroccan came crashing back down to earth with this performance at Anfield, as he looked laboured, passive and rather unfit as he was constantly bypassed in the midfield far too often.
Mainoo excelled for the Red Devils in the midfield, whereas, Amrabat, who played a World Cup semi-final only last winter, struggled to get into the game and make his mark.
Mainoo excels
Well, as mentioned, as his midfield partners struggled, one man who didn’t was Mainoo. At just 18 years of age, the midfielder has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water.
There is always a hefty risk when an academy player, especially a midfielder, is brought into the first team. It’s an even bigger risk to start said midfielder at Anfield in a game that could cost Ten Hag his job but the Englishman performed.
It was his outstanding pass that set Alejandro Garnacho away but the Argentine couldn’t get his shot away. Mainoo looked very composed as the Anfield faithful became more and more exacerbated as the minutes went on.
Ten Hag lives to fight another day
The game looked like it might be the last of Erik ten Hag’s rather mixed spell in charge of the Red Devils but this 0-0 draw will keep the Dutchman in his job for the time being.
Despite the draw, this was not a vintage performance, this wasn’t even a competent performance. Liverpool’s struggles in the final third meant United looked good, but in reality, they were toothless going forward.
Rasmus Hojlund had United’s big chance but the Dane fired it straight at Alisson, much to the frustration of Erik ten Hag. United just struggled to offer anything.
What it means for United
The result, as drab as it was, leaves United in seventh place, six points behind Manchester City in fourth place. The questions over Ten Hag’s future will, for now, be put to bed.
But this result may well save him for a few weeks. Whether the fans will be happy with performances that really struggled to inspire remains to be seen.
The Red Devils take on West Ham United at the London Stadium next weekend. They have to use this result as a springboard for something, anything.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/rGW3gcx