Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United face a huge challenge as they face Liverpool in FA Cup
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Manchester United will host Liverpool at Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, March 17. Apart from being a big derby between the two historical rivals, it is also a big game in the context of each club’s situation.
Manchester United have struggled this season and are out of the running for every competition bar the FA Cup. They were eliminated from the EFL Cup and finished at the bottom of their UEFA Champions League group. They are sixth in the Premier League, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Amidst all this, there has been immense speculation about Erik ten Hag’s future at the club. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking control over sporting affairs, Manchester United are expected to go through major changes. This could see Ten Hag lose his job as well.
However, the Dutch manager might be able to redeem himself a bit if the Red Devils win the FA Cup. They will, however, have to pass through a tough test against one of the best teams in the country and their rivals Liverpool.
Also Read: Mohamed Salah Astonishing Feat Stuns Anfield: A Historic Milestone Revealed
Manchester United struggling to control games
The Red Devils have been poor for most of the 2023-24 season. They have struggled to control games but have managed to pull out results in some games.
Manchester United won 2-0 against Everton at home in their last game but conceded 23 shots against the relegation-battling side. They also conceded 27 shots in their 3-1 defeat against Manchester City before that.
The Red Devils have conceded over 500 shots in the Premier League this season, with only Sheffield United conceding more.
While they have escaped with this against teams that are considered lesser than them on paper, United might struggle against Liverpool if they don’t fix this. The Reds had 34 shots in their goalless draw against the Red Devils at Anfield earlier this season.
Liverpool’s attack is thriving; Mohamed Salah returns as well
The Reds are the second-highest scorers in the Premier League this season with 65 goals in 28 games, only behind Arsenal. They come into the game on the back of a 6-1 hammering of Sparta Praha in the second leg to win 11-2 on aggregate in their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie.
Moreover, Mohamed Salah is back fit for the Reds. The Egyptian winger has scored 12 goals and provided four assists in his previous 13 games against Manchester United, making them his favorite opponents.
Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and will face Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals. They are second in the Premier League, behind Arsenal on goal difference. As they compete for a quadruple, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be keen to get past United on Sunday.