Manchester United battled to a dramatic 1-0 victory at Anfield against bitter rivals, Liverpool, on Sunday. Below are the biggest talking points in what was a combative clash of two Premier League behemoths.
What We Learned from Manchester United’s Anfield Delight
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has a bright future at Old Trafford
The Manchester United academy product replaced the injured Ashley Young in the 43rd minute, and put in probably his best performance in a United shirt. Despite the immense gravity of the game, Borthwick-Jackson was undaunted by the atmosphere or his opponents.
The youngster showed incredible maturity beyond his years, which enabled him to snuff out several Liverpool attacks on his flank with some crucial interceptions. He also made some bright runs forward to help Anthony Martial and, later, Memphis Depay on the wings. His crossing was also a positive, with the highlight being a forward run which took him past the experienced James Milner and into the Reds’ penalty area.
The only blot on his display would be his positioning at times. Nevertheless, with the Mancunian just eighteen, such errors are expected and in time will be rectified. Young’s injury could be a blessing in disguise, also, as it will afford the youngster a chance to truly stake a claim in the first-team picture.
Fan frustration gave Van Gaal little respite
United fans were buzzing after Wayne Rooney rifled in a volley to give the Reds all three points against their fiercest rivals. However, that did little to enamour Louis van Gaal and supporters, who watched in agony as their team again failed to show any sort of creative spark.
In what has been the case all season, United were ponderous in possession and never truly tested Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal until Rooney’s volley. The England captain’s strike was their only shot on target and, after the positive display against Newcastle midweek, supporters expected a similar performance against Liverpool. Disappointingly, the former Barcelona manager reverted to his philosophy with another static performance offensively.
Despite a thrilling away victory, fans are eager to see their team show more intent in the final third of the pitch. The onus is on the Dutchman to galvanise his team and show a little more verve and excitement if he is to gain the full support of all fan groups.
Declining quality in both sides is saddening for the Premier League
A match between Liverpool and Manchester United has always been a heavyweight fixture in England, even one to draw comparisons to the El Classico in Spain. However, it’s been a while since this fixture has been a top-of-the-table clash. Gone are the days when Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane would be vying for the ball in midfield, while Fernando Torres and Cristiano Ronaldo led the line for the two North-West rivals.
Seeing Lucas Leiva and Marouane Fellaini tussle in a heated midfield battle showed just how big the rebuilding job is for both sides; the aforementioned players are solid additions to a side but cannot be compared to Xabi Alonso, Paul Scholes or several greats of both teams. United might be slightly better off than their rivals, but both have a huge challenge ahead of them if they are to compete with Manchester City or Arsenal for the title.
This summer will be pivotal for both sides as they are both very much in need for reinforcements. While Jürgen Klopp has to overhaul majority of his squad, Louis van Gaal faces a fight to convince supporters and board members alike that he is the man to take United forward with the shadow of José Mourinho lurking. Hence, the next transfer window could make or break either side in their quest to regain their elite status.
Wayne Rooney is more effective behind the striker in LVG’s system
When Ander Herrera was brought off for Memphis Depay, van Gaal did a tactical reshuffle of his players with Rooney playing behind Martial and Juan Mata and Memphis on either side of him. It immediately gave the side more balance and showed signs of clicking in the little time the quartet had on the pitch together.
An immediate observation was how effective Rooney looked behind Martial. When deployed upfront, the Englishman was starved of service and doesn’t have the dynamism or pace of old to get past opponents like Martial. However, when played behind the young Frenchman, Rooney immediately proved a problem for the Reds and linked up United’s play effectively.
For a while now, sections of United’s support have begged to see their talisman play in the ‘Number 10’ role and it’s no surprise to see why. His experience along with his tactical awareness further add to the case for him to be playing there and United looked more dangerous the moment he was pushed slightly behind. A system with Martial leading the line and Rooney playing slightly behind could breathe life into United’s attack and it is now on van Gaal to give this system a try.
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