Opinon: United's Transfer Woes a Cautionary Tale (Downfall, Part 2)
Last week I penned a column about how Manchester United's current crisis reflects our own dark days before Jurgen Klopp took the helm. I outlined the struggle that comes with recognizing a "big club" isn't quite so big anymore. This week, for part two of this "Downfall" series on Manchester United, I'd like to look at how Liverpool used intelligent transfers to propel the club to the pinnacle of football, how United's transfer policies have contributed to their current crisis, …
Opinion: United's Misery Echoes Our Own Dark Days Pre-Klopp
After tuning in and watching from my sofa as Liverpool were on the wrong side of a 3-0 thumping at Anfield, I remember the feeling crashing over me:
"We're not a big club anymore."
The date was 29 August 2015, and it was the first time that thought had ever crossed my mind. Here we were, humiliated at home by a mid-table West Ham side that had never beaten us at Anfield in the Premier League; some 16 months removed …
Observations as Liverpool stumble to stalemate against Red Devils
Liverpool failed to score for a third successive Premier League game, leaving Anfield visitors Manchester United clear of the Reds at the top of the league following a 0-0 draw.
Despite a bright start, Jurgen Klopp's side toiled a little as the game went on and it was United who had the better chances in the closing stages, Alisson Becker on top form to deny both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
Here's a closer a look at a few topics …
Time for Liverpool's Old Trafford hoodoo to end
So, here we go again. Man United away. A fixture that has provided more misery than any other for Liverpool supporters over the past 25 years.
The Reds return from the international break facing one of their biggest matches in any season, but this one has a different feel to it than many that have taken place before it.
Jurgen Klopp's men will rock up to Old Trafford not only favourites to pick up all three points at the home …
Liverpool vs Man United Preview - Potential Key Battles
Liverpool face Manchester United at Old Trafford. To be honest, no other context should be needed to demonstrate the sheer weight of this fixture, as it’s probably the biggest fixture in the history of English football and remains arguably the biggest fixture on the calendar.
But in case more emphasis was needed on this game, Liverpool currently sit second place in the Premier League, behind Man City on goal difference with a game in hand – this game at Old …
Manchester United v Liverpool Preview - Epic clash ahead at Old Trafford
The Details
Venue - Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee - Michael Oliver
Date & Time - Sunday, February 24th @ 14:05
Current Odds - Manchester United 2/1, Draw 5/2, Liverpool 5/4
Form
Manchester United Form
Manchester United are enjoying a new lease of life under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Ever since Liverpool put the final nail in Jose Mourinho's United career-coffin in December, United's former striker has overseen a great upturn in form.
Impressive league form, including a win away to Spurs when David De Gea …
Liverpool's Midfield Imbalance
So far this season, Liverpool have accumulated 12 points after winning their first four matches of the campaign, even despite the Reds barely moving into second gear. Klopp's title challengers have thus far won 4-0, 2-0, 1-0 and 2-1, but in one of those contests, Liverpool struggled considerably to regain control more so than in their previous three matches. Against Leicester City and despite collecting all three points, the team were lucky to escape with the win having lost the …
Liverpool Need to Take Advantage of World Cup Hangovers
The Premier League season starts in just a few days. And the spectre of the World Cup still hangs over the Premier League’s top six. This was a World Cup in which the Premier League’s top teams all had plenty of players not just participating but going the distance – and certain teams will benefit from that.
Liverpool need to be one of the beneficiaries.
It’s expected that Roberto Firmino and his Brazilian teammate Alisson Becker will start against West …
Manchester United v Liverpool Preview - Klopp's men to silence Old Trafford?
The Details
Venue - Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee - Craig Pawson
Date & Time - Saturday, March 10th @ 12:30 GMT
Current Odds - Manchester United 8/5, Draw 23/10, Liverpool 13/8
Form
Manchester United Form
United came from two down on Monday night to take all three points at Crystal Palace. Just when it looked like Roy Hodgson was finally going to have a positive effect on Liverpool's league position, it all fell apart. Before that, United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford. However, …
Liverpool FC and The Dreaded U-Shape
Liverpool's last two matches have both ended with impressive score-lines, with six goals and none conceded. However, despite the two 3-0 wins, both of Liverpool's performances have been somewhat flat and lacklustre. The opponents in these past two matches both opted to employ low defensive blocks with no real intention to play or score a goal, so Liverpool had the relatively simple task of having 90 minutes to basically break those teams down.
However, although that may appear simple, and …