Manchester United’s manager Erik Ten Hag slammed his players after they were obliterated 7-0 by arch-rivals, Liverpool, at Anfield on Sunday. The Red Devils were taken apart by the home team as they didn’t have any answers.
Cody Gakpo scored the opening goal in the 43rd minute for the hosts but it didn’t give any hint of what was to be followed in the second half. Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah (he also became Liverpool’s all-time leading goal-scorer) scored a brace in the second half while Gakpo also scored his second of the night in the 50th minute.
Roberto Firminho scored in the 88th minute to add salt to the injury. This is Manchester United’s joint worst-ever loss in the history of the Premier League, equaling their previous worse against Blackburn Rovers back in 1926, Aston Villa in 1930 and Wolves in 1931.
“Second half, it was just not us,” Ten Hag said. “It was not our standards. We didn’t play as a team. It was unprofessional. Yes [I am angry]. Definitely.
“I am surprised because I have seen the last weeks and months this team is resilient and has a winning attitude.
“Second half, we didn’t have a winning attitude at all. We didn’t stick to the plan and we didn’t do our jobs. We didn’t track back and it was really unprofessional.
“We have seen in the past we can bounce back. After Brentford, after Manchester City. This is definitely a strong setback and is unacceptable. I’m really disappointed and angry about it. It is a reality check. We have to take this strong.”
On the other hand, former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane also slammed the senior players for their mundane performance.
“A shocking day,” Keane told Sky Sports. “The senior players were embarrassing. They didn’t show any leadership skills. A really tough day for Man United and thank goodness I have never been part of losing like that.
“The players will be ashamed when the going got tough, they went missing. I never thought United were back to their very best. They have been giving teams chances but today Liverpool didn’t let them off the hook.”
Manchester United will now face Real Betis in the Round of 16 first leg of the Europa League on Thursday night.
