Arne Slot has continued to assert his dominance over the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United, adding yet another layer to the growing tension between the two clubs. His latest dig at Manchester United is a clear sign that Slot, now firmly in charge at Liverpool, is not letting up in his criticism of Erik ten Hag’s team. This power dynamic, which Slot seems eager to highlight, has shifted considerably in Liverpool’s favor, with the Dutch coach maintaining his influence over one of the fiercest rivalries in English football.
In September, Slot delivered a humiliating blow to the Red Devils with a commanding 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, a result that left United fans fleeing the stadium well before the final whistle. The defeat was not just a tactical loss for Ten Hag, but a psychological one as well. Slot’s Liverpool side completely dismantled their opponents, and the Dutchman was quick to follow up his on-field victory with a brutal assessment of Ten Hag’s tactical decisions. Slot showed no mercy in breaking down the flaws in United’s setup, offering a detailed critique of Ten Hag’s approach immediately after the match, ensuring there was little room for his counterpart to hide from the defeat.
One of the most damning elements of Slot’s post-match analysis involved the transformation of Ryan Gravenberch. The former Ajax star, who had once been under Ten Hag’s tutelage, has flourished at Liverpool under Slot’s guidance. Gravenberch’s resurgence is a clear indictment of Ten Hag’s transfer strategy, as the Manchester United manager passed on the opportunity to bring the talented midfielder to Old Trafford. Instead, Gravenberch has blossomed at Anfield, with his performances serving as a constant reminder of what United could have had. This, according to Slot, is an ongoing blemish on Ten Hag’s managerial record, a missed opportunity that continues to haunt the Dutchman.
Slot, however, wasn’t content with just one dig at his rival. As Liverpool prepared for a match against Bologna, Slot took another swipe at Ten Hag’s United during his pre-match press conference. In comments shared by the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, Slot insinuated that Manchester United resembled a team destined for the lower reaches of the Premier League table. While Slot’s comments may have seemed innocuous to some, the message was clear: United, under Ten Hag’s leadership, have been performing far below the standards expected of a club with such a rich history.
To be fair to Slot, his criticism is not without merit. United’s performance in the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford was nothing short of disastrous. The team struggled to gain any kind of foothold in the midfield, where they were thoroughly outclassed by Liverpool. Ryan Gravenberch’s performance was particularly telling. The Dutch midfielder won seven ground duels during the match, only six fewer than United’s entire starting midfield combined. Such a statistic highlights the gulf in quality between the two sides, and it’s a reflection of the lack of cohesion in Ten Hag’s team.
Despite a host of new signings arriving at Manchester United during the summer transfer window, the team still appears rudderless. Ten Hag, who was expected to instill a clear identity and style of play, has so far failed to impose his vision on the squad. This lack of direction has been a problem for United since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and it seems that Ten Hag has yet to find a solution. The Dutchman’s inability to get the best out of his players, particularly in high-stakes matches like the one against Liverpool, raises serious questions about his long-term future at the club.
Perhaps it’s time for Manchester United to reconsider their approach. Slot’s comments, though cutting, may serve as a wake-up call for those in charge at Old Trafford. The club has cycled through several managers in the post-Ferguson era, each one failing to bring back the success that the United faithful crave. Ten Hag was seen as the man to restore United’s glory, but his tenure has been marred by inconsistency and underwhelming performances. Slot’s biting remarks may sting, but they also reflect the concerns of many who have watched United’s steady decline.
Ultimately, Slot’s critique of Ten Hag’s Manchester United goes beyond mere rivalry. It is a reflection of the larger issues at play within the club. United have not been able to regain their footing since Ferguson’s departure, and the current regime under Ten Hag has yet to offer a clear path forward. While Slot may enjoy taking jabs at his rival, his words should not be dismissed. They offer an accurate portrayal of a club in crisis, one that needs to find its identity before it can hope to challenge the likes of Liverpool again.
Perhaps, as Slot might suggest, it’s time for United to look in the mirror and make some tough decisions. Whether that involves a change in managerial direction or a more cohesive transfer strategy, one thing is clear: Manchester United can’t afford to remain in this state of disarray. And with managers like Slot quick to point out their flaws, the pressure on Ten Hag is only goin
g to intensify.