Erik ten Hag can do what previous Manchester United managers couldn't after Liverpool thrashing

06.03.2023 - 10:25 manchestereveningnews.co.uk

The narrative ahead of Manchester United's return to Anfield after last season's humiliation was about how much had changed.

This was a team of leaders, led by a magnificent manager, with threats all over the pitch. After seven years without a win at Anfield, this felt like United's time.

Having finished 34 points behind Liverpool last season, they were 10 ahead this term. But just when Erik ten Hag thought he'd got rid of all of United's faults and foibles and overhauled the mentality of his team, he was sucked back in.

Having spent the first half of this game on his feet cajoling his players and guiding them through the game, he spent a lot of the second half rooted to his seat in disgust. READ MORE: United summer signings failed to do what they were bought for vs Liverpool This had shades of Brentford away and Manchester City away.

Barcelona Marcus Rashford Raphael Varane Andy Robertson Cody Gakpo Manchester

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After Manchester United suffered defeats against Brighton and Brentford, Erik ten Hag was forced to change his approach. The Dutchman wanted his side to control proceedings in those matches, but his midfield lacked physicality and that was not conducive to an expansive style, which made him revert to pragmatic tactics for the visit of Liverpool.

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Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag defends Bruno Fernandes after display at Liverpool - 'Everyone makes mistakes'

Erik ten Hag has defended Bruno Fernandes following criticism of his controversial perfomance during Manchester United's 7-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend. Fernandes appeared to push a referee’s assistant in the closing stages of the match at Anfield, and cut a frustrated figure for much of the second-half as his team shipped an astonishing six goals. Ad Fernandes was also criticised for appearing to question the decision to substitute Marcus Rashford in the 85th minute, and there were calls from some that the Portuguese should be stripped of his captain's armband as a result.