The current second place holders on the points table failed to earn a triumph against the Red Devils, thanks to a brilliant display of defence by the latter. The match ended 0-0, with Dalot getting a red card in the 94th minute.
Man United vs Liverpool: United defenders stopping Salah’s attack Source: X
Manchester United managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League, showcasing their impressive defensive skills. Erik ten Hag’s team was considered as significant underdogs before the match. Liverpool had a remarkable track record against United, making a Jurgen Klopp victory seem highly likely.
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However, truth be told, Liverpool’s performance was lackluster. They failed to create any noteworthy opportunities that could trouble Ten Hag and his coaching staff. United managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League, showcasing their impressive defensive skills.
In spite of having only 18 minutes of playing time in the Premier League since the end of September, Erik ten Hag displayed his trust in Raphael Varane by partnering him with Jonny Evans in the defense at Anfield. The Frenchman, given this rare opportunity to start this season, delivered an outstanding performance that earned him the Man of the Match title.
Man United vs Liverpool: Varane’s Brilliance
Varane’s contribution throughout the match was immense, and alongside his fellow center-back, he played a crucial role in securing a valuable point for United away from Old Trafford. It now appears completely perplexing as to why Ten Hag kept him out of the first-team lineup for such a long time, especially considering the suspected reason behind his exclusion.
Varane proved his capabilities in the exact position where Ten Hag believed he couldn’t excel. The Athletic had previously suggested that Varane’s low position in the Manchester United pecking order was due to Ten Hag’s preference for a left-footed center-back on the left side of the defense.
It was truly perplexing that, despite Harry Maguire’s absence, the Frenchman was deployed in that very same position against Liverpool. Varane’s exceptional performance in this role does indeed make Ten Hag appear foolish.
Throughout the entire duration, Varane was available without any injury concerns, yet he was deliberately excluded due to a lack of belief in his ability to adapt to the system. It is clear now that this belief was completely misguided.
Manchester United arrived at Anfield with a lack of confidence and poor form, having been eliminated from the Champions League. However, they managed to leave Merseyside as the first team to prevent Liverpool from winning at home this season.
Following the match, visiting manager Erik ten Hag expressed his immense pride in his team’s resilient performance. On the other hand, Richard Keys claimed that United only escaped defeat because Liverpool did not perform well. In a mocking tone, Keys suggested that even Crystal Palace could have achieved the same result as ten Hag’s side did against Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s team exerted constant pressure throughout the match, despite being heavily favored to win, but encountered a determined Manchester United side. Despite taking 34 shots and earning 12 corners, Liverpool was unable to secure victory. Erik ten Hag’s team even had a chance to win on the counter-attack, but Alisson’s save from Rasmus Hojlund prevented that.
When asked for his perspective on the game, Van Dijk expressed his belief that Liverpool had done more than enough to emerge as the winners. He stated that there was only one team actively seeking victory and expressed frustration that it didn’t materialize. Van Dijk emphasized Liverpool’s desire to win every game, particularly against formidable opponents like Manchester United. He further highlighted the team’s disappointment with only earning a point, while their opponents were content with the result.
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, shared his frustration at his team’s inability to break through the opposition’s defense. He regarded this performance as their most dominant display against Manchester United, surpassing even their 7-0 victory from the previous season.
