The Red Devils' performance in their 0-0 draw with Liverpool has drawn criticism from Manchester United icon Gary Neville, but he also acknowledges that the team left Anfield with "a little bit of respect."
For the majority of the game, the Red Devils were outmatched by their bitter rivals, as Jurgen Klopp's team had 34 shots on goal and forced Andre Onana into eight saves.
After losing their previous two games against Bournemouth and Bayern Munich, most people anticipated that Man Utd would be soundly defeated by Liverpool going into the match at Anfield.
After earning a crucial point on Merseyside, Erik ten Hag's team is currently seventh in the Premier League, but Neville doesn't believe the victory can hide their flaws.
"Manchester United played really poorly," Neville stated on Sky Sports. After Szoboszlai was substituted, Liverpool had Trent Alexander-Arnold and Endo in midfield. During that 10- to 15-minute stretch, their formation was 4–4 and you could see two or three counterattacks coming. Although a draw at Anfield is always positive, it's not a great performance, which is why it's a good outcome.
"A few years back, we killed [Jose] Mourinho for coming here, playing that way, and winning 0-0. In my opinion, their improved defensive fortitude and ability to maintain a clean sheet are positive signs, but they are not performing at a level that will win football games. I didn't think the team had what it took, but you have to give the defenders some credit for their collective effort and the way they held together.
"When I saw the team before the game, I believed there was no way they could keep a clean sheet when they were at least giving up two or three goals. It has been a difficult week for them, so you have to commend them for that and give them credit for it. The criticism they have received, the fact that everyone is criticizing them, including us, and the fact that they left tonight with some kind of respect—I can't even begin to understand how tough it has been for them.
But Man Utd manager Ten Hag is adamant that he is "very proud" of his players and that he wants them to achieve similar outcomes "more often" in the future.
"I'm very proud of this team," Ten Hag remarked in the dressing room following the game. This is something we should do more of. This is what I said. For example, the game against Newcastle was similarly difficult; we committed a mistake, turned off, and gave up the goal. But eventually, things loosen up and you can take your chances or make two, three, or four passes once the ball regains possession. You can also make switches at this point, which will allow you to become a more formidable opponent.
We brought up the 7-0, but I told them that we had faced them three times the previous year, winning twice and losing once. If we put this into every game on the field, we can defeat Liverpool, as we demonstrated today.