My Reactions – Liverpool vs. Manchester United

So Manchester United went to Anfield yesterday for the first time under the reign of David Moyes. The former Everton manager has never won at Anfield and nothing is different this evening either. United were caught out just four minutes into the match by Daniel Sturridge, who has scored all three goals for Liverpool this season. They now sit at the top of the Barclays Premier League table after three wins in three matches.

Were there any positives in yesterday’s match? Well apart from Nani and Chicharito making their comebacks from injury, the only other positive was that there is still a day to go before the transfer window closes, so still time to strengthen the squad, which is something that was so obviously needed today. The midfield was non-existent and Liverpool just looked the better side for the majority of the match.

Many will blame David Moyes for the loss yesterday, he has a responsibility for at least some of the blame, but the players on the pitch share that just as much, but you won’t see many people even suggesting that. I am happy to get over this defeat to Liverpool and see what happens for the remainder of the season, before I decide on the manager. United have not been great on their trips to Anfield in the Barclays Premier League and in the last 10 seasons, we have only won four matches, drawn twice losing four also. Last season United won for the first time in five visits, so it just goes to show that it is not just down to the manager here.

 1) Liverpool organised well after gaining the lead
For all the complaints people may have of United’s performance on Sunday, credit must also go the way of Liverpool for the way they set out.After gaining an early lead they simply managed to frustrate United for the rest of the game. Like United, they did not trouble De Gea that often, as the game seemed to get bogged down in midfield, but what they did was maintain their shape and hassle United into making mistakes. It felt as though every time Carrick or Cleverley were on the ball, someone was there to close them down and give them little room to breathe and when United pushed forward, they got back in numbers to defend and leave little space for creating chances. It was telling that, despite enjoying more possession, particularly in the second half, United finished the game with the same number of shots on target as Liverpool, and had fewer shots overall. Welbeck may have had an argument for a penalty in the first half, and some might argue a draw would have been a fair reflection of the game, but ultimately United failed to create and never looked like they bring the game level.

With regards to the goal, one could argue it was a soft one to concede, with Agger easily beating everyone to the ball, although Sturridge did well to react to it and quickly steer the ball at goal. It left the impression that United could, and should, have defended the set piece better.

2) United looked blunt going forward
For all the possession United enjoyed, in the final third, they looked toothless. The service to Van Persie was poor, particularly coming from the wings, Young’s crossing, for example, rarely found it’s mark. Passes went to waste and the side struggled to force their way through the back line. Nani got a good shot away from distance and Van Persie should have done better when played in by Hernandez. Welbeck looked threatening at times, but could be guilty of holding on to the ball too long before shooting. Carrick and Cleverley looked unable to assert themselves in the middle of the park as they found themselves closed down easily.
Indeed, the frustration was evident at times, as Van Persie picked up a booking late in the first half after losing the ball and tackling late in response. In fact it could be argued Cleverley and Carrick were hindered by their respective bookings, limiting the tenacity with which they could play, although I make no complaint for getting booked for the tackles they committed.

3) Giggs should not be starting games
The respect and adoration United fans have for Giggs’ career is limitless, but one has to admit that at this point he should not be starting games, particularly big occasions such as this. On the right wing he frustrated, misplacing passes and naturally lacking the pace getting forward, with Valencia looking more potent coming on at right back, who strung together more passes and pushed forward with greater purpose. Giggs has his place in the side with his experience and can have an impact off the bench, but United have other options they should be turning to at this point.

4) Why is Kagawa not playing?
It is understandable if a player is not fully match fit then he will not feature much at the start of the season. However, Kagawa has not seen any match time over the last 3 games. The midfielder struggled in his first season at the club, often playing out of position out wide. However, for all the complaints about United’s midfield, it is clear they have a talented player waiting for a chance to shine and yet has not been given a chance to feature. Players like Kagawa have the potential to change games when brought on, and with Rooney out, United could have called upon him to add something different when they were struggling.

5) Rooney’s injury and the issue of transfer activity
On the news of Rooney sustaining an injury to the head in training, some wondered whether it was some veiled signal that he was on his way. This was likely simply coincidence and a genuinely unfortunate incidence, but does highlight the important he still holds to the side, especially with the lack of any additions this Summer.

In the aftermath of the game, the general feeling was that it was a game in which United’s shortcomings in midfield were highlighted. The failure to add to the squad this year after huge change to the staff is comparable to the mistakes made by City last year. Of course, panic buying and random signings for the sake of it will do nothing to improve the side either, but after a Summer in which United’s handling of the transfer window and targeting of signings has been followed and criticised widely, fans may grow frustrated with what could be seen as a failing to improve the side when the availability of players was clear.

At this stage of the season it would be ridiculous to panic about the start made, given United’s started relatively slowly last season, but in my opinion the chance to improve the squad was there and should have been capitalised on, or at least handled differently. Speculation has now made the club look desperate to add in what is an already inflated market. Of course, by the time this is published and read, the situation may have changed and United may have completed some business. However, failure to add coupled with any rough patches that may be encountered in the season will give the media, fans and neutral observers plenty of reason to pile on the pressure on Moyes as well as chief executive Ed Woodward.