3
Manchester United’s drama-filled 2-2 stalemate against Liverpool yet again underlined how Erik ten Hag and his players do not know how to control games.
Having already dropped points against Brentford and Chelsea from winning positions due to their naivety and inconsistent decision-making last week, United found themselves with a great opportunity to make amends against their fierce rivals on Sunday.
With less than 10 minutes of normal time to play, the hosts found themselves leading the game 2-1. However, Ten Hag gave away all the control by taking off Alejandro Garnacho for Sofyan Amrabat.
This conservative move took away all the pace from United’s frontline, and as a result, the threat from the counter attac fizzled out.
Liverpool further pinned United’s backline closer to their net and found the equalising goal through Mohamed Salah, who made no mistake from the spot following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s ill-timed challenge.
This has been the trend all season long for Ten Hag’s side, who have seldom controlled games from minute one to minute 90. Much to the former Ajax man’s disappointment, he might also lose his job at the end of the season.
The Dutchman, who arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 with plenty of promise and control over transfers, made Tyrell Malacia his first United signing.
Things have changed since, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS football team set to control United’s transfer business this summer. Interestingly, a report from Sunday Mirror (via TeamTalk) suggests that one of their early moves may signal the end of Malacia’s time at the club.
It is claimed that United have stepped up their interest in Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez.
The Spaniard, who honed his skills in Real Madrid’s academy, has emerged as one of the most exciting full-backs in La Liga this season.
United and Arsenal have both frequently scouted the lightning quick Girona star, who has a €35 million release clause in his contract.
It is added that Ratcliffe is determined to secure Gutierrez’s services and is willing to use his financial might to leave other suitors behind in the race.
Against Liverpool, Wan-Bissaka only featured in the game on the left flank because both Luke Shaw and Malacia remain on the sidelines. Ratcliffe supposedly wants to end the left-back problem by bringing Gutierrez to Old Trafford.
His arrival should also open the exit door for Malacia. Whether Ten Hag would be in favour of this development and happy to give away control over transfers to INEOS remains unclear.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
