- Carrick hints Manchester United’s planned first-half dominance
- Liverpool were trailing 2-0 at the break
- Mainoo scored late to seal 3-2 win
Michael Carrick has delivered a brutal blow to Arne Slot following Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat. The Man Utd boss claims his side ‘knew exactly’ how to exploit Slot’s predictable tactics, leaving the Dutchman’s future at Anfield looking increasingly uncertain
The Reds faithful have been calling for the sacking of Slot for the last few months, but the board seems to be backing the head coach despite the poor results. The players seem to be lost on the pitch in most games, and have been outrun in the majority of the matches as well.
The Anfield side do not have an identity on the pitch anymore after years of heavy metal football under Jurgen Klopp. Several fans and pundits have pointed it out, and now Carrick has claimed he made the most of it.
Manchester United knew what Liverpool were planning at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick spoke to the media after the 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday, boldly revealing that his players executed their plans to perfection in the first half. He said that the injuries to Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike made it obvious that the Reds would be keen on overloading the midfield and said:
“We thought with the players available, they would try and overload the midfield and it would be a big challenge for us. We have got some dangerous forwards but were asking them to work off the ball. The way the supporters got behind us after the two goals, it is easy to get frustrated, and spirit and character shows when it is a bit of a challenging time. We have built that and there was a lot to be happy with and to be proud of.”
Liverpool managed to get back in the game thanks to some help from Adam Diallo and Senne Lammens, but Carrick praised his players for bouncing back and sealing a 3-2 win.
“We made just two mistakes, and both Amad (Diallo) and Senne (Lammens) have been immense for us. We bounced back and finished well, with players coming off the bench.”
The Red Devils had a 2-0 lead at half-time, but errors from Amad and Lammens made it 2-2 just 11 minutes after the restart.
Manchester United pip Liverpool to UEFA Champions League
Manchester United’s win over Liverpool saw them seal their place in the UEFA Champions League next season. The Red Devils completed a lead double over the Reds for the first time since the 2015/16 season.
Carrick’s side are also set to finish above Liverpool this season, as they need just four points from the remaining three matches or for the Red to points in one game.
