Ten Hag: ‘Man Utd is a challenging team to beat.’

According to coach Erik ten Hag, the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in Round 17 of the Premier League showed that Man Utd has great potential to play better.

“We referred to that result but I say we played Liverpool three times last season. We lost one and won the other two,” Ten Hag said after the draw at Anfield. “We are capable of beating Liverpool. I think today we proved that capability. If you can perform like this in every game, first of all Man Utd is hard to beat. Then we can aim for the win, even in big games.”

Last season, Man Utd faced Liverpool three times, including the disastrous 0-7 defeat at Anfield in the Premier League last March. But in the first half of the season, Man Utd beat Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. Ten Hag’s squad also thrashed their opponents 4-0 in the first preseason friendly in Bangkok.

In the rematch at Anfield on December 17th, Man Utd was willing to surrender possession, controlling the ball only 31% of the time, managing six shots with only one on target. On the other side, Liverpool unleashed 34 shots – the most in a single Premier League game this season, with eight on target. Yet they did not cause too much trouble for goalkeeper Andre Onana.

In fact, the best chance belonged to Man Utd when Rasmus Hojlund was one-on-one but could not beat Alisson Becker with his right-footed shot in the 67th minute. The Danish striker’s overhead kick attempt was also unsuccessful, missing his chance to open his Premier League account.

“In the dressing room after the game, I told the whole team that I was very proud, and we should play like this more consistently,” Ten Hag said. “When you adhere to the discipline in the game plan, the game will open up eventually and you get chances. Or even, you can string three, four passes together after winning the ball, counter, and then you are in the ascendancy.”

The Dutch coach praised Man Utd’s disciplined defending, showing spirit, passion, desire, intelligence, and regretted the wasted chances from Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho. He also praised Raphael Varane for an excellent performance, the understanding with Jonny Evans on his return to the starting line-up, and Andre Onana’s solid goalkeeping.

Without 11 first-team players, including suspended captain Bruno Fernandes, Ten Hag gave 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo his first Premier League start. Mainoo had 31 touches, 89% pass accuracy, won four of his six duels, made one tackle and three interceptions before being replaced by Hannibal Mejbri in the 82nd minute.

“If you are good enough, age doesn’t matter. Mainoo proved that,” Ten Hag praised his student. “When he gets more accustomed to the higher pace of play, Mainoo will perform even better. He has the ability to read the game, move the ball well and can hurt opponents.”

The most controversial moment came late when Diogo Dalot received two quick yellow cards in the 94th minute for his reaction. Frustrated by referee Michael Oliver’s harsh decision, the Man Utd defender threw an object on his way into the tunnel. When asked about this decision, Ten Hag replied: “I will leave it to the media to judge.”

The draw at Anfield does not improve Man Utd’s position, as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League with 28 points, one behind Newcastle. Ten Hag’s side will have a week off before traveling to West Ham in Round 18 on December 23rd.