Liverpool beat a depleted Manchester United team in the historic Michigan Stadium on July 28th. It proved a pleasing International Champions Cup game for a very happy Jurgen Klopp. But afterwards, his opposite number, Jose Mourinho, bemoaned his lack of options. The Portuguese coach commented ‘the game gave me nothing’. 101,000 saw Liverpool dominate United in Michigan, and they witnessed a couple of fine goals.
Liverpool Dominate Manchester United in Michigan
United Run Out of Gas
United had to change their lineup just before the start when Chris Smalling pulled out. However, they competed well enough in the first half with Ander Herrera and Andreas Pereira prominent. Brazilian Pereira would get United’s consolation goal with a neat free-kick. But Mourinho, exaggerating somewhat, said ‘it’s not our team’. His feeling was that they were there to survive. But eventually, as he put it, ‘they ran out of gasoline’.
Liverpool Win Easily
United’s bitter rivals started brightly and went on to dominate. Salah often caused the threats early on, while youngsters Rafa Camacho at full-back and Polish keeper Kamil Grabara looked the part. It was in the second-half that Liverpool stepped on the gas. Daniel Sturridge immediately delivered and Ojo scored a confident penalty. But it was the new signing from Stoke, Xherdan Shaqiri, who sent the vast crowd home with the best memory. He produced a spectacular overhead kick from a Ben Woodburn cross to seal the 4-1 victory.
Great Atmosphere in the Stadium
Both coaches expressed their admiration for the massive attendance and support from the fans. Mourinho wished he could have sent out a team with more quality, reminding some of the much maligned ’39th game’ proposal. While Klopp and the Liverpool management could admire the numbers of LFC red shirts around the stadium, they did outnumber their rivals.
But How Significant is It?
What will all this mean back in England? For United, some obvious reinforcements. For Liverpool, the expectation that they will kick on and challenge Manchester City. For Mourinho, more probing questions from the media. For the smiling Jurgen Klopp, a league or cup win could be on the cards.
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