Cease me for those who’ve heard this one earlier than however defensive accidents, underperforming stars and wasteful ending had been the downfall of Manchester United throughout their remaining pre-season recreation.
A 3-0 defeat to Liverpool appears to be like dangerous and, though Erik Ten Hag targeted on the positives afterwards, it is obvious enchancment is required going into the season.
Manchester United’s US tour has been one brimming with positivity following Ten Hag’s contract extension, a brand new teaching staff, senior administration modifications and perception the squad will probably be higher geared up forward of the brand new marketing campaign.
However on a moist and heat night time in South Carolina, United followers had been once more made to observe as issues they hoped the membership had overcome popped up once more.
Of the massive names on the pitch solely Marcus Rashford confirmed an attacking spark, virtually scoring the perfect purpose of their warm-up video games with an electrical flip and shot that went narrowly broad.
Casemiro, the one outfield participant to play the entire match, regarded ponderous and weak. Jadon Sancho and Antony supplied little within the remaining third, whereas Scott McTominay missed his staff’s greatest probability of the second interval.
With no Rasmus Hojlund for the beginning of the season, the strain is on new striker Joshua Zirkzee to create a bond with Rashford and the returning Bruno Fernandes as quickly as he can.
On the again, Ten Hag insists his staff have loads of choices regardless of one other night time of wrestle.
Harry Maguire was unnoticed as a precaution, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof each got here off at half-time and Aaron Wan-Bissaka departed with a knock.
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Following Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool of their pre-season match, Erik ten Hag believes his aspect should be extra scientific and thinks the membership will seemingly spend in the summertime if the alternatives are proper
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Diego Dalot are all anticipated again at Carrington subsequent week. They might all be wanted in some capability for the weekend’s Group Protect in opposition to Manchester Metropolis and positively past.
As for Liverpool, it has been three wins in opposition to top-flight opposition throughout their time within the States.
Now come the massive selections for head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.
Fabio Carvalho celebrates after opening the scoring for Liverpool in opposition to Man Utd
It is judges’ homes time – who will they inform to pack their luggage and who’s via to the stay exhibits?
We already know Joe Gomez and Sepp van den Berg have costs the membership will do enterprise for however has Fabio Carvalho’s two targets in two video games given him a shot at a Premier League audition?
However what all Liverpool followers now wish to know is who will probably be coming into the membership.
Has the curiosity in Anthony Gordon waned or will they revive their bid from June? Is Slot proud of the present midfielders to play his double pivot system? Do they need a successor to Virgil van Dijk on the again?
Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah’s contract conditions will decide how a lot cash is within the pot this summer season and the place Liverpool want to focus on over the following 12 months.
But when these video games within the US has proved something, it is that Mo Salah remains to be the largest recreation changer the membership has they usually will not be shifting on from him any time quickly.
Man Utd 2024/25 fixtures: Ten Hag begins with Fulham, stay on Sky
Manchester United will begin their 2024/25 Premier League season with a house fixture in opposition to Fulham, stay on Sky Sports activities, and face Liverpool within the opening month of the season.
The opening recreation of the brand new marketing campaign will probably be performed on Friday August 16, with kick-off at 8pm.
United then journey to Brighton earlier than their first huge derby of the season at house to Liverpool on Sunday September 1.
The reverse fixture will probably be performed initially of 2025 with a visit to Anfield on January 4.
Followers should wait till December for the primary Manchester derby of the season, away at Manchester Metropolis on December 14. The reverse fixture at Outdated Trafford will probably be performed on April 5.
Boxing Day will see Man Utd journey to Wolves, and they’ll end the 2024/25 marketing campaign at house to Aston Villa on Might 25.
Liverpool fixtures: Reds begin with journey to Ipswich
Arne Slot kicks off his Liverpool reign with a lunchtime journey to newly-promoted Ipswich City on the opening Saturday of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The Dutchman will then come up in opposition to compatriot Erik ten Hag when Liverpool tackle arch-rivals Man Utd at Outdated Trafford in simply his third recreation in command of the membership with the sport at the moment scheduled for Saturday August 31.
The Reds face tricky-looking back-to-back clashes at house to Chelsea and away to Arsenal in October, earlier than internet hosting Manchester Metropolis on the finish of November.
The primary Merseyside derby of the season comes at Goodison Park on December 7, whereas Liverpool start the brand new 12 months by entertaining Manchester United on January 4.
Slot’s aspect journey to the champions on February 22, earlier than the second Merseyside derby of the marketing campaign on April 2 they usually conclude the season by taking over Chelsea (a) and Arsenal (h) in consecutive video games in Might, with Crystal Palace coming to Anfield on the ultimate day.
