Man Utd told they ‘played with 10 men’ against Liverpool due to ‘lazy’ starlet
Micah Richards heavily criticized Manchester United’s winger Antony for his unwillingness to defend during the match against Liverpool.
He argued that Antony’s tendency to stay high up the pitch left United playing with only ten men at times, and expressed disbelief at the lack of communication between Antony and Diogo Dalot.
Richards highlighted Antony’s failure to assist his full-back, which allowed Andy Robertson to advance and create Liverpool’s first goal at Anfield. Richards made these comments as a pundit for the BBC.
During the match, Andy Robertson played an outstanding role for Liverpool, setting the pace with his persistent runs upfield and determination to press Manchester United. However, his marker Antony did not show the same level of commitment, as he chose not to track back and prevent Robertson’s attacks down the flanks.
As a result, Liverpool benefited from this weakness in United’s defense, and Cody Gakpo scored the first goal just before half-time. Liverpool continued to dominate in the second half, with Gakpo scoring another goal, and Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino each scoring two goals apiece.
According to Micah Richards, United’s struggles were epitomized by Antony’s reluctance to defend, which he found difficult to understand.
Richards said on MOTD2: “There was no communication between Diogo Dalot and Antony.
“At times, it was like they were playing with 10 men because Antony wasn’t doing his work at all down that side.
“I didn’t know if it was tactical at first – Antony’s position – but we all know how good Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are so you would think someone would try and get closer to Antony.
“He didn’t track him to begin with – he was eight metres away – and that was just a little taster of what was to happen.
“Antony needed to come back into that position but he just doesn’t do it. I was confused as to whether he was just being lazy for his team or his manager was just telling him to stay up there and be a threat on the counter-attack.
“Either way, it just kept happening and happening. As soon as they lose the ball, he just walks. We are talking about one of the biggest games for Manchester United.”
Jadon Sancho didn’t play in United’s last game, and he’s aiming to earn his spot in the team for their upcoming Europa League match against Real Betis. Alejandro Garnacho is also eager for more playing time, having come on as a substitute before Sancho in the last game.
Erik ten Hag criticized the performance of the United players, calling it “unprofessional,” and he’s urging them to improve. He’s also seeking his own solutions to the team’s problems.
“It was a really bad performance and the worst of the year,” said a dejected Ten Hag. “We lost the game at the end of the first half and at the start of the second but you have to keep your head up and we didn’t.
“It’s all about showing discipline and we didn’t, so that’s when you start conceding goals.
“It’s a really unprofessional performance and unnecessary. You have to do your jobs and we didn’t.”
Man Utd told they ‘played with 10 men’ against Liverpool due to ‘lazy’ starlet
