M anchester United’s win over Liverpool at Old Trafford in August kickstarted the Erik ten Hag era. After defeats by Brighton and Brentford there was early concern that revitalising the red behemoth was an even bigger task than the Dutchman had anticipated but six months on he is shaping up to be the right man for the job.
The United that steps out at Anfield on Sunday will be unrecognisable from the one that meekly failed to take any points from their opening two Premier League games.
Ten Hag has brought back discipline to United, a trait that had eroded away. His first trip to Liverpool will be the biggest test of his side’s mentality.
United have not won at Anfield since January 2016 and ending that run would be a huge statement of progress under Ten Hag. “There was [a lack of discipline] and I don’t have to lie about it,” Ten Hag says. “Top players like structure, not only on the pitch, so you need some rules.