How Eric Ten Hag got it wrong against Liverpool
Eric Ten Hag and, of course, Manchester United suffered their heaviest defeat in the English Premier League for several years. The encounter at the Anfield is one of the most humiliating games that the Red Devils would play.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United are arch enemies, no doubt about that. And the game proved to be one that would be in the memories of football enthusiasts for as many years as possible. Eric Ten Hag watched while Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool battered, pummelled and bruised his side.
How did the maverick coach get it wrong?
A week to the English Premier League game, Manchester United won its first trophy since 2017. The coach led the team to record an emphatic victory over tactical Newcastle United at the popular Wembley Stadium. Eric Ten Hag lifted the Carabao Cup for the Red Devils.
But one thing about the coach is the persistent use of the first eleven players. Eric Ten Hag seldom changes or rotates players. He has been quite predictable with De Gea at the posts, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and French Raphael Varane at the back.
He does use Diogo Dalot, a misfiring player or Aaron Wan Bissaka at the other flank of the pitch. That has been his pattern. The defensive midfielder remains the Brazilian international Casemiro, whom he pairs with another Brazil player, Fred.
Both British man Marcus Rashford and Anthony are the two wingers so far with no substantial striker. The Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes remains the main number 10 for the team. He has been at the startup since the domestic competitions resumed after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Eric Ten Hag has failed to rotate players and give young ones like Tyrell Malacia and Garnarcho opportunity to start games. Sancho hardly starts as well. He will rather come in as a substitute for Anthony, who has not grown or developed in his games.
Fatigue has set in for the players. They are tired of playing as many as three games within a week. Rotating players allows some to rest while others play. That’s exactly what the coach ought to have done.
Nevertheless, one may not really blame the coach. There was no reinforcement for Manchester United squad during the last January transfer window. Eric Ten Hag didn’t have new signings apart from the two loaned players.
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