Ten Hag’s United need to change Cup script against dominant rivals
Manchester United versus Liverpool is widely considered English soccer’s fiercest rivalry. Yet on the field, it has often felt like a mismatch in recent years.
Ahead of Monday’s FA Cup quarterfinal match at Old Trafford, the contrasting fortunes of the teams are stark.
Liverpool are riding high in the Premier League, have one trophy in the bag and are in contention for another three.
United, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their season alive and the stakes are highest for manager Erik ten Hag amid speculation about his job and major changes to the running of the club.
New co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is in a hurry to get United back to winning ways. A new CEO has been hired. A new sporting director has been identified. How much further down the chain Ratcliffe is prepared to go to bring about success is not yet known.
But Ten Hag will know things need to improve after such a troubled campaign.
The Merseysiders head to Old Trafford with confidence high and second in the league standings. They have their sights on a second title for Jurgen Klopp to give the German coach the perfect send off.
In four of the last six meetings, Liverpool have scored four or more goals on their way to resounding wins.
In March last year, Liverpool handed United their worst competitive defeat in 90 years with a 7-0 rout at Anfield.
In the 2021-22 season they won 4-0 and 5-0. The year before there was a 4-2 win at Old Trafford.
How Ten Hag needs to change that script.
There are mitigating factors for his team’s struggles this season. He has had to contend with a host of injuries to key players like Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.
With a new co-owner to impress, the stakes could hardly be higher for Ten Hag.