Manchester United slumped to home defeat against Liverpool in a result which was worryingly easy to see coming.
Erik ten Hag’s first season saw Manchester United beat Liverpool to bounce back from two successive losses. And last season the incredible FA Cup victory over Liverpool played a part in rescuing the season.
A defeat to Brighton put United on the backfoot heading into this latest game, and there was an expectation that Ten Hag’s side would simply raise their game again, and pull off a victory.
But Arne Slot’s new look Liverpool are in good form and United looked shaky. A positive start was undercut by poor mistakes. United fell to a 3-0 home loss, unable to raise their game this time.
Bruno Fernandes defends teammates
Manchester United were in the game until Casemiro’s stray pass in the 35th minute let Liverpool free on the transition, and they picked the home side off, with Luis Diaz heading Mo Salah’s cross into the net.
Casemiro was then involved in another giveaway minutes later as Diaz doubled the lead. It was a torrid performance from Casemiro, who was substituted at half-time.
Liverpool’s third goal showed United’s problems were more systematic, with Kobbie Mainoo losing the ball and the visiting side quickly scoring a third.
Bruno Fernandes spoke after the game and he was keen not to blame individuals.
Fernandes told club media: “We don’t need to be pointing fingers at everyone, that won’t help us now.
“What’s the point in saying Casemiro lost the ball or Kobbie [Mainoo] lost the ball?
“They lost the ball because they wanted to be brave. It’s part of football. Don’t make it individual.”
He went on: “Casemiro is more experienced than me. I don’t need to tell him anything, he knows what football is about. He’s played for the two best clubs in the world,
“Kobbie is an excellent kid. I want him to try more and do this because it’s part of his game. They are huge players for us and will keep being.”
How Bruno Fernandes played vs Liverpool
Bruno Fernandes was not culpable of any goal-costing mistakes, but he lacked a cutting edge at the other end, with his one and only shot missing the target.
Most worryingly, Fernandes failed to create a single goalscoring chance, a rarity by his high standards.
When United did threaten to open Liverpool up, he often got it wrong, either over-hitting or under-hitting his pass. He is another one who needs to raise his game.
Fernandes will now head off with Portugal on international duty, which could sharpen him up. But there’s another argument which says that like Mainoo, he simply needs a rest.
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