Manchester United versus Liverpool, what should Erik ten Hag do differently as the Merseyside Reds return to Old Trafford later today?
It is a game of bad blood, and for Liverpool this time around, one of revenge and of critical importance for their ambitions come end of the season.
For Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, it is more about redeeming his image for the last time at the famous ground, a stadium that since his reign as the Reds’ boss, has become a boogey arena for his title chasing side. A win at the ground, is a hurdle climbed for Liverpool, but for Erik ten Hag, it is also a redemption for the recent results chalked out by Manchester United.
After a late dramatic 4-3 defeat to Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge in mid-week despite inspiring his side to play one of Manchester United’s best football in recent weeks, the Dutchman may be scratching his head again as a bitter rival surfaces at Old Trafford.
The 4-3 score line in mid-week, ironically was the last score line between both Liverpool and Manchester United in their last meeting at Old Trafford, which thankfully for Jurgen Klopp’s side was in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final. A score line that was as dramatic as the Chelsea late strike by Cole Palmer to deny the Red Devils any chance of a point.
However, if there is one advantage that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will have over Manchester United, it is the gift of knowledge. Twice they have faced the Red Devils, twice they have seen what the Old Trafford side can do and what they are capable of. And though the Reds may flatter themselves of having a dominance in the two meetings, a win is something they were denied of in those two meetings.
Hence, this makes Liverpool even hungrier to want to get over the line this time around and finish their rival for good, at least if it meant giving Jurgen Klopp his perfect ending at the famous ground.
But should it mean Erik ten Hag fold his hands and ply by a laisser-faire approach towards dealing with a title chasing side? Of course, this could be a tactic that works very well in Manchester United’s favor in that Liverpool are coming in with a lot of pressure to win.
If the Red Devils sit back and watch them hunger and roam for it while misfortune falls against them, Manchester United only need to steal a moment to deal Liverpool the blow that haunts them for ages.
But again, Liverpool have seen this movie before, and this time, they wouldn’t be counting on the thunder of misfortune to strike twice in the same fixture if they can have something to do about it.
Then again, there is the other option of going all out against Liverpool knowing at this stage, there is nothing left to lose than to give fans a game they will be happier watching at Old Trafford instead of caving in to an underdog mentality. After all, this is a game against a traditional rival they once stood shoulder to shoulder against.
Whatever decision the Dutchman chooses to go with against Liverpool, it will be interesting to see what the outcome yields.
