Man United got one over on their fierce rival Liverpool last night, but what did we learn from the encounter?
Erik ten Hag got a much-needed first win for Manchester United Football Club last time – and he couldn’t have picked a better fixture to do it.
Credit where it’s due, Manchester United Football Club were simply brilliant under the floodlights last night. They fought for every loose ball, worked their socks off for the cause and put their body on the line to ensure all three points were ours.
Obviously, this has to be just the start. Ten Hag now needs to get these lads performing like that on a weekly basis – though that’s going to be easier said than done.
Anyway, let’s get into some bullet points about what we learned…
Lisandro Martinez can play in the Premier League
The Argentine felt perfect for this game. That’s exactly how it panned out. Martinez plays with an aggression and fire in his belly, defending with real intent and purpose.
He won all of his aerial duels, made some crucial blocks and really set the tone for a top-class defensive performance from the whole back line.
Fans can get behind the team while also remaining against the owners
The anti-Glazer chants were in full flow, while also ensuring Old Trafford was a cauldron of noise that struck fear into those Liverpool players.
Sure, the #EmptyOldTrafford plan didn’t have the desired effect, but you can be sure the supporters made their feelings known. It was the perfect night at the Theatre of Dreams.
Erik ten Hag is one of us
From the passion on the touch line, to cheering on the Old Trafford crowd, with a little F-bomb in between, Ten Hag epitomises everything positive about being the Manchester United manager.
He fully believes in this group of players. He fully believes in his tactics and ideology. It’s his way or the highway, as both Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire found out last night.
Choosing effort over ability worked wonders
Anthony Elanga may not be the most naturally gifted player, but what he lacks in ability, he makes up for in effort and intensity. Although subbed at half-time, make no mistake about it, the Swede helped set the tone.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes all worked their socks off throughout, giving Liverpool no time to breath on the ball. It’s sad, but Ronaldo just doesn’t bring that to the table. For all his goal-scoring prowess and ability in the box, benching him was the correct call.
Tyrell Malacia is the first-choice left-back
He has to be, right? Within ten minutes, I’d already seen enough from Tyrell Malacia to convince me that he has overtook Luke Shaw in the left-back pecking order. The new United signing looked right at home in that back four.
The young Dutchman was outstanding in every aspect. He dealt with Mo Salah well, always tried to get forward where possible and he worked his socks off throughout. Although a very smiley and likeable person off the field, Malacia’s desire to win when he steps over those white lines is clear for all to see. An outstanding display from a talented young man.
Follow Old Trafford Faithful on Twitter for more Manchester United news.
Be the first to comment