Manchester United were beaten 7-0 at Liverpool at the weekend, suffering an all-time humiliating result.
The embarrassing loss is not one we want to dwell on too much, but moving forward, it could still have a big impact on what comes next.
Erik ten Hag‘s task long-term is to make sure this kind of result never happens again, to ensure the side he is building are not blown away like this.
The manager will want to strengthen and further re-model his squad in the summer, and the mauling at Anfield could play a part in that.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Here is a look at five ways the defeat could influence United’s summer planning…
Goalkeeper dilemma
Manchester United need to make a decision over David de Gea‘s future. The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of June.
Even though De Gea is willing to re-sign, no deal has been struck. This was the type of display which would make the club lean towards moving on.
De Gea saved only one shot from eight he faced, failing to take command of his six-yard box, let alone the penalty area.
While he was let down by his defenders, De Gea contributed to the malaise too. We have seen this too frequently in losses like this.
Isn’t it just time for a fresh start? A complete do-over, and let Erik ten Hag pick his own goalkeeper, rather than just stick with the one he inherited?
Porto stopper Diogo Costa and Brentford’s David Raya are possible alternatives. Ten Hag may have others in his sights too.
Replacing De Gea would be a seismic move, but this was a seismic result. Letting the long-serving goalkeeper player leave in the summer would warn the squad that nobody is safe.
Right-back uncertainty
Diogo Dalot‘s strong early season form has disappeared. The Portuguese defender has regressed and has been shakier, with his positional sense a concern.
Dalot’s contract expires in June 2024. Manchester United will not be held to ransom over a new deal for the defender.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has stepped up as a reliable option, and it might turn out that Dalot is the one who gets replaced, rather than the former Crystal Palace defender.
Dalot’s performance at Anfield won’t count in his favour at all. If Erik ten Hag decides there is a better option out there, the manager will ruthlessly pursue him.
Strikers must be bought
Wout Weghorst is simply not the goalscorer Manchester United hoped he would be. The on loan forward has netted only once since joining in mid-January.
Weghorst has played well, which is a bit of a contradiction, leading to some suggestions the club might want to pursue a permanent deal.
In the big match at Anfield he was a total non-factor, completing just nine passes and failing to attempt a shot at goal.
United don’t just need one striker, two are needed. Anthony Martial is never fit, and Weghorst may just lack the quality to be a United player long-term.
This is a position United have delayed proper investment in for too long. It can’t go ignore any longer. There is too much pressure on Marcus Rashford to produce.
United were too one dimensional at Anfield, with Rashford played out of position in a central role, taking him away from his best threat out wide. While this was a tactical error from Erik ten Hag, it would not have happened if the manager had proper goalscoring strikers to use up front instead.
Bruno Fernandes alternative needed
We have seen Bruno Fernandes‘ excellence during his time at Manchester United, and we have also seen his worst.
The worst parts of Fernandes’ game tend to come when he has simply been over-used. A lack of alternatives will likely lead to the Portugal midfielder being played heavily.
Even when fit, Donny van de Beek has not been up to scratch, and United need a young, dynamic playmaker who can take responsibility to play for the team and compete for Fernandes’ place.
This competition will help Fernandes raise his game and also benefit him, as it will avoid him being run into the ground. His high-risk passing game hurts the team when he is not on form, and United need to ensure this is a rarity, not a regularity.
A new centre-back
The club captain did not get a kick at Anfield, with Harry Maguire an afterthought in Erik ten Hag’s plans.
While this highlights the club’s squad depth at the position, it is not a scenario which is sustainable long-term.
Erik ten Hag will have seen a more disappointing side to Raphael Varane‘s game at Anfield. While he may want to replace the Frenchman, it’s clear he does not see Maguire as an upgrade.
This summer Ten Hag will likely cash in on Maguire and use the money to sign a young centre-back of his choosing, who can compete more regularly with Varane.
A midfielder who can dictate
Manchester United lost the midfield battle against Liverpool, lacking a player who could get their foot on the ball and dictate possession.
A young Christian Eriksen is needed. The chances of signing Frenkie de Jong are probably slim, but Erik ten Hag must attempt to find a player with the same on-ball quality.
Fred is a fine squad player with limitations, while Scott McTominay needs to be moved on. He looked lost when he came on at Anfield and could not stem the flow of goals.
Prior to this game the priority in midfield looked to be signing a back-up to Casemiro. This result and the way United were overran suggested he needs a partner.
It’s a position where United need a wider variety of options. At present Erik ten Hag picks the players he can trust, and there are not enough of them.
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