United picked apart by Liverpool – should we be worried?

Simply put, Manchester United were a disgrace against Liverpool on Sunday.

A three-nil defeat at home where Arne Slot’s side outclassed the Reds, as Erik ten Hag’s team goes into the international break with two defeats from three.

United’s Dutch manager is no stranger to heavy defeats and in his third season, fans have reasonably expected these results to become a rarity. However, this loss shows that while much has changed behind the scenes at the club, it may take time before there is a significant improvement on the pitch.

The concern is that in Slot’s third game in charge of Liverpool, his side already looks to be playing the style of football he expects – granted their squad is largely the same as the one competing for titles under Jurgen Klopp. However, there are still questions about what exactly Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United actually is.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game about similarities to last season, Erik ten Hag said, “I don’t have the feeling we are in the same pattern, because I didn’t see that, I think it was sometimes open, we took risks, but I don’t want to talk about this after a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.”

United took risks, albeit unnecessary ones, three of which led to Liverpool goals, with Casemiro having a personal shocker on Sunday, before being substituted at halftime. After looking to put last season’s underwhelming season behind him, this will be a huge blow to the Brazilian’s confidence.

Whether Manuel Ugarte can make a difference to United’s defensive structure is unforeseen, but something is certainly not right in the way the Reds set up. Looking back on each goal, the majority of the team has overcommitted and offered too much space for Liverpool to exploit on the turnover.

This is something Arne Slot talked about in his post-match interview, saying, ‘Their fullbacks nine out of ten times, are really high, and then Casemiro comes in between. So, if you pick up the ball and you can keep Diaz and Mo Salah high, then you’re constantly in a one-on-one situation.’

It’s not a good look, that United can be dismantled so easily and something many thought would be left behind in last season’s 8th-place finish, yet there is still a hangover from those same midfield issues.

The performances against Fulham and Brighton had their positives and while Sunday was a disaster, United should have had at least one goal themselves, albeit it may be fair to suggest Liverpool took their foot off the gas by that point.

Joshua Zirkzee had two big chances to score his second for the club but was unable to convert, another unwanted trait from last season where United scored well below an acceptable amount. Arne Slot’s side on the other hand showed their clinical edge, they have already scored seven compared to United’s two.

What Erik ten Hag does next is yet to be seen, but it now puts huge pressure on his side to get results after the international break. Something they are capable of doing with the vast amount of talent in the squad along with the new signings.

This was a bitter defeat to take and hopefully, one that Erik ten Hag and his side learn from quickly. They are already falling behind those in the Champions League places, however, the season is still in its infancy and plenty of time to turn things around.

With the international break taking place this weekend, United have an extended break before they travel to Southampton on 14th September. Russell Martin’s side is yet to earn a point this season and provide a perfect opportunity for the Reds to bounce back.