Liverpool 3 Manchester United 0: Match Review
Neil Atkinson Reviews Liverpool's 3-0 Win Over Man Utd In USA Tour
The last match in the series of three US games ended with Liverpool beating Manchester United by a score of three goals to zero.
I hesitate to definitively say that Liverpool outperformed Manchester United, even though they won the game. Both of Liverpool's goalkeepers played exceptionally well, and Manchester United failed to capitalize on some other scoring opportunities.
Liverpool is generally the superior team. They move the ball well and create opportunities, but also miss chances to score. Their playing style is more organized and thrilling.
They seemed to find the early stages of the game more straightforward, maybe because they were having too much fun the other way. This is clear from the way Curtis Jones was the first to enter the box in the first 10 minutes, and Wataru Endo did the same around the 77th minute.
The manager's decision to choose Ryan Gravenberch instead of Endo, especially with Dominik Szoboszlai feeling tired, was the most interesting selection made.
Gravenberch is performing impressively. It may take him a bit of time, like it does for others, but once we pass the 15-minute mark, he usually ends up being the furthest back midfielder for Liverpool when he has the ball. Despite being heavily pressured, he handles himself well. He fulfills a similar role to Jones and Szoboszlai in the last game by luring the opposition's press, orchestrating the team's play, and supporting his teammates.
The role Jones plays is very complex, and he takes it up a notch by scoring a goal for Liverpool's second one. He's a skilled scorer too - he's right in front of the goal and in the small box when Mo Salah passes to him.
Salah was set free by Jarell Quansah with a fantastic pass, and Quansah once again showed his composure during a chaotic first half.
Manager will be happy with Fabio Carvalho's performance in the first half. He was very active and managed to score a goal by shifting his balance smoothly. The ball deflected in, but he didn't mind. Fabio has had a successful pre-season so far, which will only benefit him.
His time at Liverpool may have been unfortunate, but regardless of what comes next for him – whether he stays with Liverpool or not – he has the talent to play for a club aiming for success in Europe. Competing at a European level is always a goal worth pursuing, and our rivals will be participating in European competitions next season.
Carvalho appears comfortable in both our organization and theirs.
Ibou Konate is a footballer who has been on the sidelines for the past three months and is now facing a new challenge. He is also playing in a different position than usual. However, he made a couple of costly mistakes early in the game, which is an area he needs to focus on improving.
One defender scores an easy goal and the other consistently gets to the edge of the field. I don't know how you would defend against Conor Bradley. He can move in different directions, pass the ball or dribble it, and confidently gets to the edge of the field multiple times.
Both goalies have made impressive stops, but making saves is just a normal part of their job. Liverpool's defense seems to be a bit weaker in this preseason compared to before. They will need to focus on improving that.
So here's the deal. The manager is going to be thrilled with the video. Time after time, Liverpool seems to be making the incorrect decisions, but the important thing is that the right decision is within reach – it's visible to us. This indicates that a lot is going right and just needs a little extra push. The same goes for the opposite scenario, where a missed second ball or a slightly off decision is made. This is all part of his job and the focus is on the work.
These events are not just about football games, they are also cultural events with long-lasting significance. Liverpool once again hosted a great visit with inclusive events and a fan park that attendees will not forget. The attendance at this match was 77,000, which is impressive.
One interesting aspect of American sports is that the spectacle itself gives it importance. While numerous games are played on a daily basis in the country, it is the large crowd of spectators that gives significance to events that may otherwise lack any real meaning.
People from all different places traveled to visit Liverpool for this tour. The importance isn't just the outcomes, although they are impressive; the energy of the performances is important, but the true significance comes from the individuals who attend. The fact that they show up in such large numbers adds depth to the experience.
This was a time when Liverpool truly showcased their culture, both on and off the field, in 2024.
It's not flawless, not quite there yet, but there's plenty to be happy about and proud of.
