Erik ten Hag accused Manchester United of unprofessionalism after they endured a humiliating and historic 7-0 defeat at their arch rivals Liverpool.
The United supervisor was seething following a disgraceful second-half efficiency from his group in which Liverpool ran riot, scoring six instances so as to add to Cody Gakpo’s high-quality opener simply earlier than the break and growing their Champions League qualification hopes.
Mohamed Salah scored twice to change into Liverpool’s main goalscorer in the Premier League period whereas Gakpo and Darwin Núñez additionally scored twice every. Roberto Firmino, given a rousing reception after it emerged he intends to go away Anfield on a free switch this summer season, got here off the bench to finish the document‑breaking rout.
It was Liverpool’s largest victory in opposition to their nice rivals, surpassing a 7-1 win in the second division in 1895, equalled United’s worst defeat – 7-0 in opposition to Blackburn in 1926, Aston Villa in 1930 and Wolves in 1931 – and was the Old Trafford membership’s heaviest loss for 92 years. An embarrassed Ten Hag didn’t spare his gamers from chopping criticism in a post-match dressing down.
The United supervisor stated: “It is quite obvious, it was unprofessional. First half, I think we were the better team – we created the better chances and had two one-on-ones with the goalie. Before half-time we made one organisational mistake and conceded a goal. We were in the game. It really surprised me after half-time, we gave the game [away] so quickly.
“The first two goals were defensive transition moments, the first was a turnover and the second was a counter, bad decisions and decisions on the ball. How we conceded the goals is really annoying. The third was a counter with unprofessional decisions – not following in, and then running in, moving forwards, giving space away in midfield, not tracking back.
“So then it is 3-0 and the game is lost, but as a team you have to stick together. That is what we didn’t do. It is a surprise for me, I didn’t see this from my team. I don’t think it is us. I don’t think it is Manchester United. It was really bad, really poor.”
Ten Hag admitted he had given a equally damning appraisal to his gamers in the dressing room. Asked whether or not United’s gamers had given him an evidence for his or her disintegration, the Dutch coach stated: “No. I didn’t give them the chance until now. We will talk about it. I have given them my opinion about it. We will talk about it tomorrow, but I know this team will reset and we have to bounce back. We have shown in the past we can.”
Jürgen Klopp described Liverpool’s document victory in the fixture as a “freak result, top performance”, and admitted it was one of his group’s best shows of the season. The supervisor stated: “The way we started the game was really special. We were aggressive, played good football, were super active and the goal before half-time was sensational. I don’t think the second half could have started any better, super goals and from then on the boys were flying.
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“It was one of the best performances for a long, long time. Everybody saw how good the boys can be. No one was doubting Darwin’s future impact. Cody plays in the most difficult area in the pitch against a man‑marking side, which is super tricky, Mo is Mo, Harvey [Elliott] played a top game the other night against Wolves and had the highest counter‑pressing number of any player in the Premier League. Hendo [Jordan Henderson] – incredible performance. Robbo was the flying Scotsman. Nothing happened but we have to make these results count.”
Klopp paid tribute to Salah after he changed Robbie Fowler as Liverpool’s main Premier League marksman with 129 targets. The Egypt worldwide was offered with a “129” shirt by his teammates in the dressing room after the rout.
“Mo achieved something really, really special,” Klopp stated. “We should not forget that just because we are used to him scoring so many goals. He is a special player and a special boy.”
Salah admitted it was a proud second to succeed in the milestone. “It’s very special, I can’t lie,” the striker stated. “It was always in my head since I came here. I am going home with my family to have camomile tea and celebrate.”
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