Manchester United 3-1 Liverpool – 5 Things We Learned
MAN UTD vs LIVERPOOL: 5 things we learnt
A big win for United puts Brendan Rodgers under more pressure. After 45 minutes in the game between United and Liverpool on Saturday, football fans had possibly watched the most boring half of the season so far.
There were no clear cut chances in the first half of the clash at Old Trafford, with only 3 shots managed between the two teams and none on target. United ran out 3-1 winners in the end though, and here’s what we learned.
1) Daley Blind is NOT the weak link in United’s side
A goal and an outstanding performance, Daley Blind proved to all fans that he CAN play centre-back when needed to, as proved yesterday. Granted, Liverpool didn’t trouble United so much when it came to their defence, but Daley Blind proved that he should be in the side with a fine defensive performance and a brilliantly taken goal to put United 1-0 up early in the second half.
2) Christian Benteke has the talent, but still isn’t getting the service
Despite being upstaged by Anthony Martial, most fans will agree that Christian Benteke scored the pick of the goals in this game with his stunning overhead kick with 5 minutes to go. This has proved that he certainly has the talent to make things work at Liverpool, but like with West Ham, he was incredibly isolated throughout the entire match. When he received the ball, he shielded and held it up very well, but it wasn’t happening enough for Liverpool, and the lack of service resulted in a real lack of chances created.
3) United will not regret keeping David De Gea
He was again the difference. A great save to deny Jordan Ibe and another good one to stop a Danny Ings volley, De Gea proved his worth to United. He could have so easily gone to Real Madrid this summer, but United fans will be glad he stayed after yesterday’s performance.
4) Anthony Martial may just be worth the money
Brought on with 25 minutes to go, Anthony Martial brought the house down with his goal to seal the win for Manchester United late on. Signed for a huge £36million on deadline day, it was almost written in the stars for him to come on and make an instant impact. Two minutes after Christian Benteke scored his sensational bicycle kick to set up an exciting finish, Martial wandered through the Liverpool defence and seal the deal for United and take three points of their massive rivals.
5) It’s the beginning of the end for Rodgers
A loss at home to West Ham and now a massive loss to Liverpool’s bitter rivals, the pressure is really cranking on Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool have only scored 3 goals in their first 5 games, and have only won 4 in the last 16 games in all competitions, and with most fans already turning on him and crying out for Jurgan Klopp, how long does Rodgers have left in the manager’s seat at Anfield?
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10