Erik ten Hag was full of praise for his makeshift XI on Sunday, as United became the first Premier League team to stop Liverpool winning at Anfield in 2023-24 following a 0-0 draw.
Given captain Bruno Fernandes was suspended, and November’s Player of the Month Harry Maguire was injured, Ten Hag was forced to rejig his midfield and defence. But all departments of the Reds’ starting XI performed obdurately, with the incoming players, Jonny Evans and Kobbie Mainoo, among the most notable figures.
“How pleased was I with the performance? In a lot of respects, yeah. The performances were very good from the side. I think [on] the game plan, the players were brilliant in how they were together and they stuck together, how they were fighting,” said Ten Hag.
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“Maybe the only criticism would be in possession – we could have hurt them more. We get one, two, three passes and we are in. But that was the only thing. We could have scored one of the two big opportunities and even won the game, but I think we defended very well.”
He added: “You have seen Liverpool and it is a very good team, and a very good attacking team. They have a lot of good movements and you have to defend very disciplined. A big compliment to the team, [because] we did that. The spirit, the passion, the desire, we had [it], and also [we were] smart.”
On whether United were motivated from last season’s 7-0 defeat at the same venue, Ten Hag said: “We knew that beforehand [that last year’s defeat at Anfield would be talked about]. But last year we beat them twice and we lost, and it was a big loss. And of course then you will then [try to take] revenge.”