Manchester United failed miserably at Anfield, losing to Liverpool 0-7. A total shock that was impossible to predict. What conclusions can be drawn from this match?
1 Manchester United still don’t have a second Wayne Rooney
In the article about this match, I especially noted that Manchester United last won away from Liverpool in 2016. Then Wayne Rooney became the scorer of the only goal, and I wondered if the “devils” had a new hero who could repeat the luck of the great English striker.
Everything indicated that it should be Marcus Rashford, who differentiates himself in almost every game, but as the game showed, he has not yet become an icon for the team. In 84 minutes, the striker touched the ball just 26 times, made 14 passes (not all of them accurate) and generally looked like a faded shadow of himself.
So far, Rashford is just a good striker, but nothing more.
2. Liverpool’s victory means nothing
Liverpool have a good run (4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 games), but that means absolutely nothing. Also, even a 7-0 win means absolutely nothing.
In August, there was a similar situation when, after a series of setbacks, Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 9-0 at home. Yes, the state of the opponent is completely different, but the most important thing is that this victory did not change anything, and the Reds began to fail again from match to match.
Of course, it’s silly to deny the significance of the win over the Mancunians, but Liverpool have only won three points, and I’m almost certain Jurgen Klopp’s side will stumble a few more in the Premier League, even against bottom opponents. of the table.
The Merseysiders have become the real deal and perhaps the most faithful contenders for fourth place (Tottenham are just three points behind with a reserve game), but it is still too early to guarantee a place in the Champions League for next season. .
The calendar at the beginning of April is especially scary. Klopp will have to give his best against City, Chelsea and Arsenal, with whom Liverpool will play in nine games.
3. Manchester United says goodbye to dreams
Before this terrifying game, there was a vague hope in the air that Manchester United would still become the third contender in the title race, but all the dreams of the fans collapsed within 90 minutes.
Manchester United is nine points behind Manchester City (still one game to go) and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, who will be impossible to catch. Manchester United went on a fine winning run, but their positive results were matched by the Anfield hosts. The start of the season was too messy for the team to count on more than third place. It would not be desirable, but in England only two clubs fight for the trophy, and Erik ten Hag’s team is not included in this narrow list.
But there is another side of the coin in this. Manchester United can now play at their own pace without giving it their all in the Premier League and instead focus on the Europa League and FA Cup.
