Manchester United ended their pre-season American tour with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.
Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot reignited their rivalry ahead of the Premier League season at the magnificent Williams-Brice Stadium.
Despite an unfavourable result, United enjoyed plenty of possession and created multiple opportunities – frustratingly failing to find the net.
A capacity crowd was in fine voice, with the Merseysiders proving the more clinical of the sides on the evening.
A failure to convert
Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action several times within the opening 30 minutes, making half a dozen crucial saves.
Ten Hag’s side were fluid in possession and structured without the ball, continuing in a similar setup as we witnessed against Real Betis.
It was evident that Liverpool struggled to break the counter-press and appeared limited in ideas when playing out from defence.
Despite that, Slot’s men scored against the run of play after ten minutes when Fabio Carvalho’s deflected effort found the net.
Having fallen behind, United remained the better team in the opening third – applying maximum pressure and constantly on the front foot with a recognised style of play.
Mason Mount was particularly promising in his application and unlucky not to net a brace. He formed part of a six that occupied the Liverpool half throughout.
Toby Collyer was once again impressive, looking assured in possession and tenacious in the press.
Unfortunately, the 20-year-old was undone by the brilliance of Mohamed Salah on the touchline, with the Egyptian teeing Curtis Jones with a low cross from the byline.
The third came through Konstantinos Tsimikas after 61 minutes, tapping home after Andre Onana denied Diogo Jota’s effort.
An evening of frustration saw an injury to Will Fish – who departed the field of play on a stretcher.
Additionally, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were all withdrawn at various stages.
Focus immediately shifts to Saturday’s curtain-raiser against Manchester City, with the pair set to meet in the Community Shield.
One can only hope the misfiring Reds have left their woes Stateside ahead of an intriguing Wembley meeting.
How do you feel about the US tour and the value for the team in moving forward?
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