Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool was not just a loss; it was a statement of intent—unfortunately, one that suggests Erik ten Hag’s new era may be more troubled than triumphant. Just 16 days into the new Premier League season, and with two defeats from three matches, the Red Devils are already grappling with a crisis that has fans and pundits alike questioning the future of this so-called “revolution.”
A Breakdown from Front to Back
What we witnessed on that fateful afternoon was a United team riddled with failures, from front to back. The match against Liverpool exposed fundamental issues in the squad, epitomized by Casemiro’s catastrophic first-half performance. The Brazilian, once heralded as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders, looked lost, his errors directly leading to both of Luis Díaz’s goals.
But Casemiro wasn’t the only one underperforming. Joshua Zirkzee, handed his first start, missed clear-cut chances that would have kept United in the game. André Onana, once again, showed a worrying tendency to misplace high balls, either sending them out of play or gifting them to the opposition. Even the usually reliable Bruno Fernandes and the reinstated Alejandro Garnacho failed to make any meaningful impact.
Yet, perhaps the most concerning issue for Ten Hag is the ongoing enigma that is Marcus Rashford. Once United’s golden boy, Rashford’s form has taken a nosedive, and his goal drought now stretches back to March. Despite flashes of his old self, including a few bright moments against Liverpool, he remains goalless and shotless, leaving Ten Hag with a major headache as he tries to revive his star forward’s form.
The Casemiro Conundrum
Casemiro’s decline is particularly alarming given the hype surrounding his arrival. During pre-season training at UCLA, he was seen making desperate, last-ditch tackles—an early sign of what was to come. In the match against Liverpool, his disintegration was on full display. His misplaced passes and inability to control the midfield left United vulnerable, leading directly to Liverpool’s goals.
To make matters worse, the decision to substitute Casemiro at halftime for 20-year-old Toby Collyer—a Premier League debutant—only highlighted the lack of depth in United’s squad. Collyer, though eager, looked out of his depth, and it raises serious questions about the club’s transfer strategy. Why was the £42m signing of Manuel Ugarte, bought to replace Casemiro, delayed to the point where he wasn’t available for one of the season’s most important fixtures?
Rashford: From Hero to Zero
If Casemiro’s decline is a concern, Rashford’s form is a crisis. Once the club’s top scorer, Rashford’s current goal drought is baffling, especially for a player earning over £350,000 a week. His last goal came in March, and since then, he’s struggled to make any significant impact on the pitch. Despite his impressive physical attributes and past success, Rashford now looks a shadow of his former self.
The speculation surrounding Rashford’s form has been rampant. Is it a lack of confidence? Off-pitch distractions? Whatever the cause, the fact remains that United’s highest earner is not delivering, and Ten Hag must find a solution quickly. Watching United’s Under-18s beat Liverpool 2-0 at Carrington might have been a sign of Rashford’s commitment to the club, but it hasn’t translated into goals on the pitch.
A Season Already in Jeopardy
United’s defeat to Liverpool is more than just a blip; it’s a sign of deeper issues within the squad and management. Ten Hag’s project is already under scrutiny, and with the international break looming, the Dutchman has little time to regroup and find solutions. The narrative already feels eerily similar to last season’s, where United seemed to stagger from one matchday to the next, relying on hope rather than a clear, effective strategy.
As United prepare to face Southampton on September 14th, Ten Hag must address the glaring weaknesses in his squad. The decline of key players like Casemiro and Rashford cannot be ignored, and the lack of depth in critical positions is a problem that needs immediate attention. If United are to salvage their season, changes must be made, both on and off the pitch.
FAQs
- What went wrong for Manchester United against Liverpool?
- A combination of poor individual performances, particularly from Casemiro, and a lack of depth in the squad led to United’s 3-0 defeat.
- Why is Marcus Rashford struggling to score?
- Rashford’s goal drought is puzzling, with speculation ranging from confidence issues to off-pitch distractions. He has not scored since March.
- How did Casemiro perform against Liverpool?
- Casemiro had a disastrous first half, with his errors directly leading to Liverpool’s goals. He was substituted at halftime for 20-year-old Toby Collyer.
- What are the implications of this defeat for Erik ten Hag?
- The defeat puts Ten Hag under early pressure, highlighting the need for tactical adjustments and possibly further signings to strengthen the squad.
- What’s next for Manchester United?
- United will face Southampton on September 14th, where Ten Hag will hope to turn things around and get the team back on track.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s early-season struggles are a stark reminder that success in the Premier League is never guaranteed, regardless of past glories or big-name signings. Erik ten Hag’s tenure is off to a rocky start, and if the issues highlighted in the defeat to Liverpool are not addressed, it could be a long and painful season for United fans.
