Following Manchester United’s narrow 2-1 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion, Erik ten Hag was desperate to see his side bounce back with a strong performance. The loss, which came in the final moments of the match, had left a bitter taste, and Ten Hag knew his team needed to respond positively, especially with a high-profile clash against Liverpool looming. The anticipation was palpable as United took to the field, eager to regain their form and restore confidence among their supporters.
The game started brightly for United, who appeared determined to take control early on. Their initial aggression and intent showed promise, but the situation soon deteriorated. Two costly errors by Casemiro, one of the team’s most experienced and reliable players, shifted the momentum. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz was quick to capitalize, taking advantage of the mistakes and scoring twice before the first half ended. By the time the referee signaled for halftime, Liverpool had established a comfortable 2-0 lead, leaving United with an uphill battle to climb in the second half.
In a bid to change the game’s dynamics, Ten Hag made a bold decision at halftime. He substituted Casemiro, whose uncharacteristic mistakes had led to both goals, bringing on Toby Collyer in an attempt to stabilize the midfield and regain control. Despite this change, United struggled to find their rhythm. Liverpool maintained their dominance, and Mohamed Salah added a third goal, effectively putting the match beyond United’s reach. Joshua Zirkzee had a couple of chances to get United back into the game, but his efforts fell short, and United’s frustrations continued to mount. The match ended in a disheartening defeat for Manchester United, as they left Old Trafford empty-handed.
For Manchester United fans, the clash against Liverpool is always a fixture of immense significance, not just because of the historical rivalry but also due to the personal narrative involving their manager, Erik ten Hag, and Liverpool’s boss, Arne Slot. The two managers had a history dating back to their time in the Eredivisie, where they faced off four times while Ten Hag managed Ajax and Slot led Feyenoord. Their encounters had been evenly matched, with each manager securing victories over the other. This background added an extra layer of intrigue and intensity to their latest meeting in the Premier League.
In the aftermath of Liverpool’s victory, Arne Slot provided his observations on Ten Hag’s tactical approach during a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Slot, whose team had executed their game plan effectively, commented on the noticeable changes in Manchester United’s pressing strategy under Ten Hag this season. He pointed out that United had adopted a more aggressive style, focusing on a high press, particularly employing a “nine and ten press” in a 4-4-2 formation. Slot noted that this shift represented a significant tactical evolution from the more traditional man-marking approach United had used the previous season. According to Slot, United’s players appeared to be working harder and covering more ground, particularly when the ball transitioned through the midfield.
Slot’s insights highlighted a key development in Ten Hag’s tactical thinking, emphasizing the Dutchman’s willingness to adapt and innovate. The move towards a more intensive pressing game reflected Ten Hag’s intent to make Manchester United more dynamic and proactive, seeking to disrupt opponents and regain possession higher up the pitch. However, as the match against Liverpool demonstrated, the new system was still a work in progress, requiring further fine-tuning to avoid the kind of defensive lapses that allowed Liverpool to capitalize so ruthlessly.
Despite the setback, Ten Hag’s evolving tactics suggest a long-term vision aimed at transforming United into a high-energy, high-pressing team capable of competing at the highest level. While the defeat to Liverpool was a harsh reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, it also underscored the importance of patience and perseverance as Ten Hag continues to shape his squad in his image.