Everybody keeps blaming me but the fault is not from me,the fault is actually from this particular player”, Casemiro finally reveals the only Man United player that cost the game yesterday

On Sunday afternoon, Manchester United encountered what many viewed as their most challenging test of the season, only to suffer a disappointing outcome. The Red Devils were thoroughly outclassed by their fierce rivals Liverpool, enduring a defeat that starkly exposed a decline in their overall performance. This match not only revealed the weaknesses within the United squad but also prompted serious questions about their capacity to compete under intense pressure.

The match began with Manchester United showing early promise. They took to the pitch with a sense of urgency and determination, managing to put Liverpool under significant pressure in the initial stages. For a brief moment, it appeared that United might disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and take control of the game. However, this early optimism quickly faded. Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Liverpool, tilting the balance in their favor. The setback rattled United, causing their initial momentum to evaporate almost immediately. Before they could regain their composure, Diaz struck again just before halftime, doubling Liverpool’s lead and leaving United in a precarious situation.

The second half brought no relief for Manchester United, as Liverpool continued to dominate. Mohamed Salah, with his trademark skill and precision, extended Liverpool’s lead shortly before the hour mark, effectively putting the game out of reach for United. From that point on, any hopes of a comeback for United seemed increasingly unrealistic. The team struggled to find any sense of cohesion or purpose, and their efforts to break through Liverpool’s defense were easily thwarted. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive defeat, leaving Manchester United with more questions than answers.

A critical factor in United’s downfall was the absence of their new £42 million signing, Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder, expected to add energy and stability to United’s midfield, had not been registered in time to play. This forced Erik ten Hag to pair Casemiro with young Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield. Unfortunately, this combination failed to provide the solidity United needed against a strong Liverpool side. Casemiro, in particular, had a game to forget; his defensive positioning was often questionable, and his passing lacked the precision and creativity needed to unlock Liverpool’s defense. The absence of Ugarte left United’s midfield looking flat and uninspired. As United prepare for their next fixture against Southampton, it is crucial that Ugarte is integrated into the starting lineup to bring much-needed dynamism and composure to the team.

For Manchester United, this defeat was a stark reminder of the need for a coherent and consistent team strategy. For too long, United has relied on individual moments of brilliance to secure victories, rather than establishing a solid team identity that could guide them through challenging matches. Erik ten Hag faces the daunting task of instilling a clear playing philosophy that the team can adhere to, regardless of the players on the pitch. The early moments of the Liverpool game showed glimpses of what United could achieve with high pressing and controlled buildup play. However, as the match progressed, these positive signs disappeared, and United’s structure fell apart, leading to chaotic and disorganized play.

This loss also highlighted the reality that rebuilding Manchester United will be a gradual process requiring time and patience. However, patience is a luxury that fans are increasingly struggling to afford, especially after witnessing such a disheartening performance against a long-standing rival. The frustration among supporters is palpable, and the responsibility now falls on Ten Hag and his coaching staff to accelerate the development of a cohesive and competitive team.

Ten Hag’s team selection for the Liverpool match raised eyebrows, as he made several notable changes to the starting lineup. Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Alejandro Garnacho were brought in to replace Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Amad Diallo. The decision to leave out Amad Diallo, in particular, was surprising, given his recent impressive form, which included a well-taken goal against Brighton and a solid performance in the Community Shield. When Diallo was finally introduced in the second half, his impact was immediate, injecting some much-needed life into United’s attacking play. The reaction from the Old Trafford crowd, which included audible boos when his absence was noted, clearly indicated a strong desire among fans to see him start alongside Garnacho in future matches.

On the defensive front, Erik ten Hag has struggled to establish a reliable centre-back partnership, especially after the injury problems that plagued the team last season. The signing of Matthijs de Ligt appears to be a step in the right direction. De Ligt, who made his full debut against Liverpool, showed flashes of why United were eager to bring him to the club. Paired with Lisandro Martinez, De Ligt could form a formidable defensive duo, providing United with much-needed stability at the back. However, even with a strong defensive pairing, the team requires a robust midfield capable of protecting the defense and breaking up opposition play.

Finally, the ongoing struggles of Marcus Rashford remain a significant concern for Manchester United. The once-prolific forward has failed to recapture the form that saw him score 30 goals during the 2022-23 season. Rashford’s confidence appears to be at an all-time low, and his performances on the pitch reflect this lack of belief. Despite being entrusted by Ten Hag to start the match against Liverpool, a decision likely influenced by Rashford’s past successes against the Merseyside club, he once again fell short of expectations. His contributions were minimal, and he seemed far removed from the player who once terrorized defenses with his pace and finishing ability.

In conclusion, Manchester United’s defeat to Liverpool has laid bare the challenges that Erik ten Hag and his team must confront. While there is undeniable talent within the squad, the task of molding these players into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level remains a work in progress. The responsibility now lies with the manager and his players to learn from this setback, make the necessary adjustments, and demonstrate resilience in their upcoming fixtures. For a club of United’s stature, there is no alternative but to rise to the occasion and meet the high expectations that come with wearing the famous red jersey.