Sunday was a forgettable day for Manchester United, who suffered their worst defeat since 1931 as Liverpool put seven past David de Gea at Anfield. By no surprise, manager Erik ten Hag was absolutely furious after such a dismal result and didn’t mince his words in post-game interviews. But, the Dutch tactician also made his team relish in misery.
As reported by the Mirror UK, ten Hag told the side to sit in the visiting locker room in dead silence and listen to the Reds and their fans celebrate the historic win. Talk about savage. A United source also told Mirror that ten Hag threatened his players and said if they put forward such a lifeless performance again, a demotion to the U21 squad will be in the cards.
For a Manchester United club who have been in fine form, it was definitely a very disappointing showing. The Red Devils were non-existent in the final third and even worst defensively. While every bounce was evidently going Liverpool’s way, there is frankly no excuse for allowing seven goals to a Merseysiders group who have been struggling for most of the term.
“Second half, it was just not us,” Ten Hag said, via ESPN. “It was not our standards. We didn’t play as a team. It was unprofessional. Yes [I am angry]. Definitely.
“I am surprised because I have seen the last weeks and months this team is resilient and has a winning attitude.
“Second half, we didn’t have a winning attitude at all. We didn’t stick to the plan and we didn’t do our jobs. We didn’t track back and it was really unprofessional.”
Manchester United collapsed in the final 45, with Liverpool netting five times. This wasn’t the team we’ve seen in past months and hopefully, it’s a big wake-up call as the Red Devils turn their attention to the Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday against Real Betis.
Casemiro ‘picked up injury’ in Manchester United defeat to Liverpool
Casemiro picked up an injury in Manchester United’s thrashing against Liverpool, report ESPN.
The full extent of the issue is yet to be determined, with the midfielder being checked over.
The report reads: “Sources have told ESPN that Casemiro will be assessed by medical staff ahead of the game after the Brazilian player picked up an injury against Liverpool.”
Casemiro played 77 minutes in Manchester United’s defeat at Anfield.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty ImagesCasemiro status uncertain
Casemiro’s status ahead of Thursday’s game against Real Betis this week is now uncertain.
Manchester United won’t want to take any chances with such a key first team player’s fitness.
Casemiro did appear to be grimacing early in the first half against Liverpool. But he played through the issue, albeit without his usual vigour.
United were hammered 7-0, with the team losing control of the game in the second half.
Casemiro was substituted off with the score at 5-0, replaced with Marcel Sabitzer.
He had completed only 21 passes and failed to win a tackle. An injury would go a long way towards explaining his disappointing performance.
United are at home against Real Betis this week, with the away leg in Spain taking place next week. A home league game against Southampton is in between.
If Casemiro is not fit, then either Marcel Sabitzer or Scott McTominay would step in as his replacement.
