Most Reds are most likely still scratching their heads and trying to erase Sunday’s game at Old Trafford from their memories. Some will greet this international break with open arms after a soul-destroying performance against Liverpool who were by far the better team on the day.
Much of the backlash has been aimed at Erik ten Hag with some fans already calling for the manager’s head after just three games and a summer of speculation over his future. While this loss is seriously damaging for the manager, United fans will hope that this international break and another early kick off in the South coast against a struggling Southampton team will kick start the season. United have restated their commitment to the manager as he finds himself in a familiar position, but this time without a huge injury list adding to the pressure.
At this early stage of the season, before we begin to point the finger at Ten Hag, there are key team selection issues within the squad that are impacting the team’s ability to achieve consistent league form.
The demise of Casemiro
Signed for €60 million, with add-ons and a salary of £350,000 a week until 2026, he is a shadow of the 5 time Champions League winner we had hoped would sort our central midfield issues. The truth is, there is still a fantastic player there, he’s just not capable of playing the no. 6 role on his own in the Premier League and certainly not every game, particularly against teams who press aggressively. Casemiro without taking away too much from his achievements, enjoyed a La Liga experience where the top eight teams would have provided tough games for a packed Real Madrid team. The Premier League, as Casemiro has learned the hard way, is a different challenge where every team in the league will make it difficult. His body language suggests one of two things, the first being he is aware his performances haven’t been good enough and he is struggling to find form for the first time in his career. Alternatively, does his current demeanour reflect an internal dispute with the manager and his tactics? Ugartes signing, provided he stays fit, may provide the support that Casemiro needs either to provide rest periods out of the team or as a midfield partner in games where we opt to play more defensive. With Ugarte in the team, there is potential for Casemiro to contribute hugely over the course of a long season. The terms and length of his contract will always carry a deserved level of scrutiny that he will need to manage with better performances on the field.
Marcus Rashford’s continued selection
Post-match Ten Haag spoke about our wide player’s ability to complete 90 minutes as a main factor for taking Garnacho off instead of Rashford. While Rashford was unlucky to have not finished the game with two assists, his own body language continues to be a concern. There was a period in the second half where Liverpool passed around United in tight areas and on a few occasions Rashfords interest to press hard and make a tackle was no existent despite De Ligt, Martinez and Mainoo upending some opposition players to show the rest of the team what’s expected in a derby even when staring at defeat. If Rashford can find some form it would lift the entire squad, the problem is, he hasn’t found any form in nearly two years. A spell out of the team may do him some good.
Shortage of left-back cover
Not having a left sided defender and the over reliance on Luke Shaw has been a problem we haven’t solved for ten years. Dalot isn’t the answer and traditionally struggles against big teams even playing on his preferred right side. Harry Amass must be considered for our Europa League campaign as a starter and providing a route for him to challenge for that position with Shaw and Malacia.
Immediate pressure for new signings
Our poor start now places huge pressure on all involved especially the new signings. The social media experts have written Zirkzee off after Sunday. Granted he missed two guilt edged chances, but had he scored both he would have been a hero and the result possibly different. De Ligt looks the real deal and played well in large parts of Sunday’s game as does Mazraoui. The Moroccan will need to improve is positioning at the back post for the season as Liverpool’s opener was avoidable had our back four been more organised. Finally, spare a thought for Ugarte, he couldn’t be joining at a more high pressured time. He is effectively tasked with overturning a miserable team goal difference which sees United over the course of their last 57 games at -1 one while City have +93 and Liverpool enjoy +79. On top of that he has to replace Casemiro – one on the most decorated defensive midfielders in the game and help us get results fast given our poor start to the season. As of this before he’s had time to gain match fitness and get up to the pace of the Premier League.
Sunday’s game was a dreadful watch, incredibly tough to take as a fan. The big question for Ten Hag is – who in that dressing room feels the same as the fans? Contracts, salaries, promises regarding playing minutes aside the manager is now fighting for his job, his reputation and needs to select a team that will go out on their shield in each and every game. Those not prepared to that as the bare minimum must be cast aside. Let’s hope Casemiro’s substitution at half time is the start of some tough decisions that Ten Hag will need to take this season.
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