Erik ten Hag accused Manchester United of unprofessionalism once they persisted a humiliating and ancient 7–0 defeat at their arch opponents Liverpool.
The United supervisor used to be seething following a disgraceful second-half efficiency from his staff by which Liverpool ran rise up, scoring six occasions so as to add to Cody Gakpo’s effective opener simply earlier than the spoil and lengthening their Champions League qualification hopes.
Mohamed Salah scored two times to grow to be Liverpool’s main goalscorer within the Premier League generation whilst Gakpo and Darwin Núñez additionally scored two times every. Roberto Firmino, given a rousing reception after it emerged he intends to go away Anfield on a loose switch this summer season, got here off the bench to finish the document‑breaking rout.
It used to be Liverpool’s greatest victory towards their nice opponents, surpassing a 7–1 win in the second one department in 1895, equaled United’s worst defeat – 7–0 towards Blackburn in 1926, Aston Villa in 1930 and Wolves in 1931 – and used to be the Old Trafford membership’s heaviest loss for 92 years. An embarrassed Ten Hag didn’t spare his gamers from chopping complaint in a post-match dressing down.
The United supervisor stated: “It is quite obvious, it was unprofessional. First half, I think we were the better team – we created the better chances and had two one-on-ones with the goalie. Before half-time we made an organizational mistake and conceded a goal. We were in the game. It really surprised me after half-time, we gave the game [away] so quickly.
“The first two goals were defensive transition moments, the first was a turnover and the second was a counter, bad decisions and decisions on the ball. How we conceded the goals is really annoying. The third was a counter with unprofessional decisions – not following in, and then running in, moving forwards, giving space away in midfield, not tracking back.
“So then it is 3-0 and the game is lost, but as a team you have to stick together. That is what we didn’t do. It is a surprise for me, I didn’t see this from my team. I don’t think it is us. I don’t think it is Manchester United. It was really bad, really poor.”
Ten Hag admitted he had given a in a similar fashion damning appraisal to his gamers within the dressing room. Asked whether or not United’s gamers had given him an evidence for his or her disintegration, the Dutch trainer stated: “No. I did not give them the danger until now. We will discuss it. I’ve given them my opinion about it. We will discuss it day after today, however I do know this staff will reset and we will be able to have to bop again. We have proven prior to now that we will be able to.”
Jürgen Klopp described Liverpool’s record victory in the fixture as a “freak consequence, best efficiency”, and admitted it was one of his team’s finest displays of the season. The manager said: “The way we started the game was really special. We were aggressive, played good football, were super active and the goal before half-time was sensational. I don’t think the second half could have started any better, super goals and from then on the boys were flying.
“It was one of the best performances for a long, long time. Everybody saw how good the boys could be. No one was doubting Darwin’s future impact. Cody plays in the most difficult area in the pitch against a man‑marking side, which is super tricky, Mo is Mo, Harvey [Elliott] played a top game the other night against Wolves and had the highest counter‑pressing number of any player in the Premier League. Hendo [Jordan Henderson] Incredible performance. Robbo was the flying Scotsman. Nothing happened but we have to make these results count.
Klopp paid tribute to Salah after he replaced Robbie Fowler as Liverpool’s leading Premier League marksman with 129 goals. The Egypt international was presented with a “129” shirt by his teammates in the dressing room after the rout.
“I’ve completed one thing in reality, in reality particular,” Klopp said. “We should not forget that just because we are used to him scoring so many goals. He is a special player and a special boy.
Salah admitted it was a proud moment to reach the milestone. “It’s very particular, I will be able to’t lie,” said the striker. “It was always in my head since I came here. I am going home with my family to have chamomile tea and celebrate.”