Manchester United spent too long dwelling on the ball and did not release their passes quick enough against Liverpool.
That was the verdict of the Match of the Day pundits when analysing United's 2-0 defeat at Anfield, which came via goals from Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah at either end of the match.
United dug deep and remained in the contest despite coming under heavy fire, especially at the start of the second half.
But according to BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas, United did not register a holistic performance and after winning it well in defence, they didn't pass with enough speed or precision.
"Where I had my issues was that you have got to be positive when you win the ball high up the pitch," he said, analysing United.
"[Aaron] Wan-Bissaka has to play that ball into [Daniel] James there, they don't and Liverpool get back in to their shape and you are not breaking that down. Best defence in the league."
He then picked another moment, after good play from Brandon Williams and Luke Shaw to win the ball back and get forward, when United were too slow on the ball.
“Look how good this is from Williams," added Jenas. "Releases himself from the wing position, Shaw is in tight on Salah and bang win the ball back. Now they are in an attacking position.
"Can we make those positive passes and do to them what they do to us? The answer to that is no and we are going to dwell on the ball for too long and pop is about — and guess what they are back into position. That ball should have been whipped across the box straight away or put into the box for someone to attack."
Lord456
0
Pogba and Rashford play at anfield last season yet United lost by 3 goals to 1. Liverpool YNWA
peteryilme08
0
I noticed you guys are picking wha msgs of mine to post here. Where is the freedom of expression if what I posted does not appear here. I have every right to be angry with how things pan out at Utd hence, if I lash out, it is for fun without prejudice
peteryilme08
0
No fault of theirs..Ask the coach why he trained them to play tha way.
AjisolaOluwatuyi
0
that's the coach's Problem . I wonder why is that
Nico2121la
0
It took Liverpool 30 long years to reach where they are now
And you are already 8 years into and don’t see changes anytime soon... you might be there too 😜
Iroy5
0
Man Utd pondering on the ball, waits for opposition to regain shape and then thy wanna attack. They have got to manage that in the chaos that ensues once you disposes the opponent..
that's what Ole coach them into..... Ole is the Problem.
footsy
1
they just used our tactics against us. since better players were playing those tactics they schooled our team. they had to change the way they play to match man utd. in a way thats nice but there there goes our Plan A out of the window.
mahommednyaude
0
The reason we lost is ole'. Though Liverpool were favourites to win but the way they played, if mata and greenwood could start, results could be different. Pereira isn't utd material, james is off-form and should be benched. i was surprised to see Liverpool play longballs and park the bus for 30 min in 2nd half. why was klopp complaining that utd are always defensive vs his team? i will finish by congratulating fred, he controlled that midfield and was for me the man of the match though vvd and Maguire also impressed with calmness and intelligence
it was a tricky to defend so that you can attack more then we can slaughter you through counter 😂😂 klopp is genius Ole is still a kid he can't see that it was a trap by klopp 😅😅😅
Vadabdeiuy
0
The reason we lost is ole'. Though Liverpool were favourites to win but the way they played, if mata and greenwood could start, results could be different. Pereira isn't utd material, james is off-form and should be benched. i was surprised to see Liverpool play longballs and park the bus for 30 min in 2nd half. why was klopp complaining that utd are always defensive vs his team? i will finish by congratulating fred, he controlled that midfield and was for me the man of the match though vvd and Maguire also impressed with calmness and intelligence
Glen15seq
1
Manchester United there are too small to challenge Liverpool
It took Liverpool 30 long years to reach where they are now
peopleschijioke
3
Man u they're too old to play in premier league championship is there place for now
peopleschijioke
1
Manchester United there are too small to challenge Liverpool
peopleschijioke
2
he will score maybe next season dreamer
Latcdlrst
0
Liverpool wud be singing a new song had Rashford, Tommoney played, and even Pogba. they know this is true!
wikadimrtu
0
A lot of truth in Jenas' observation!
I agree with Jenas though I am a liverpool fan but what about the opportunities liverpool missed...if we count liverpool missed 5 great as manu missed 2 great....
Honcho__
2
I Like the way Manchester United didn't play like Underdogs, if we can work on this game plan and work on our finishing I see us going all the way up
Kodciklnr
0
Liverpool are best longpass play. some time thay fulback are across passion.that are good attacking.
Nisceips
0
Man Utd pondering on the ball, waits for opposition to regain shape and then thy wanna attack. They have got to manage that in the chaos that ensues once you disposes the opponent..
Cizaclns
0
Liverpool is far better than united. Haters will always want to justify
Piuclpsy
0
VARchester United[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
voebcms
0
Yeah it's true, we lacked risk takers in the match, those ones that ain't scare to throw that unimaginable pass like de bruyne. Major reason we need Fernandes. That should be our prime deal but the fear now is risking all those money and he never got to hit the ground running??
we needed mactom... in that match and rashford.
Kaychooku
0
Yeah it's true, we lacked risk takers in the match, those ones that ain't scare to throw that unimaginable pass like de bruyne. Major reason we need Fernandes. That should be our prime deal but the fear now is risking all those money and he never got to hit the ground running??
Niabeisy
0
Remove Woodward from his position, and things would be better for United
Dudabrt
0
Our biggest problem is injuries and board.. We have so many injuries and our board is not buying anyone good!
Rasford will at least score one of the chance wasted by martial and pereara
Dudabrt
0
Our biggest problem is injuries and board.. We have so many injuries and our board is not buying anyone good!
You can't compare Norwich to lipool game plan and players. You deserve it but united need a good finisher at the front and just one creative mildfielder and they will be unstoppable again. Everything is good just those few players. Surely we shall get there. United can't wait for 30 years to build a team. No way for that
lodlmpy
2
we don't give them time to think were to pass oooh so dat yyyyy
kozbcdelo
3
......ManU wanted to 'hide' da ball fro Lverpool!!...but for how long?! Liverpool is far better in all positions/tactics!!
EAsoft
0
stop complaining ur time is past. is this not the same team u used beat Norwich city 4-0
same? we had Rasford who is our best player. And that was Norwich.. We need our best players for best match, We didn't have best Midfielders which are exceptional McTominay and pogba, it wasn't even the same team we drew against Liverpool.
Mensaha
0
Our biggest problem is injuries and board.. We have so many injuries and our board is not buying anyone good!
stop complaining ur time is past. is this not the same team u used beat Norwich city 4-0
Boadprt
1
A lot of truth in Jenas' observation!
EAsoft
4
Our biggest problem is injuries and board.. We have so many injuries and our board is not buying anyone good!