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

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.

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This had shades of Brentford away and Manchester City away. And shades away of Anfield last season. Only worse. A lot, lot worse.

United are clearly a much better side than they were 11 months ago and one bad day won't alter that, but these dismal days when they get sucked into a tailspin aren't yet out of their system.

Having started slowly on Merseyside, it felt like they were beginning to take control of the game as the first half wore on, but Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford missed good chances and they were punished by Liverpool's first moment of real quality. The defending was poor down the United right, with neither Fred or Raphael Varane doing enough to stop Andy Robertson creating or Cody Gakpo scoring.

It was a bad time to concede but all was not lost. United have come from behind to beat Manchester City and Barcelona in 2023 already, but both of those came at Old Trafford. Away from home, they are still prone to inflict their own