Ten Hag has to drop Zirkzee and Casemiro after Liverpool loss | OneFootball

Manchester United suffered their second defeat of the Premier League campaign against arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

The Red Devils started brilliantly at Old Trafford and had close to 65 percent possession in the opening 30 minutes.

However, Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 35th minute after Casemiro gifted cheap possession in the lead-up.

With Diogo Dalot higher up the field, Mohamed Salah delivered a lovely cross beyond the central defence for Luis Diaz to head home.

Salah and Diaz combined again for the second goal before half-time. Casemiro was once more to blame for his poor awareness.

Salah put the game to bed with Liverpool’s third goal in the 56th minute, which came from Kobbie Mainoo losing possession.

Liverpool eventually won the contest fair and square. Casemiro had a dreadful first half and was substituted at the interval.

It won’t be surprising if he starts on the bench after the international break.

Joshua Zirkzee could also be dropped after a tough outing.

The 23-year-old struggled to cope with the intensity of the derby and he barely made an impact during the opening 45 minutes.

Zirkzee had one good shot early in the second half, but he went on to squander two big chances created by Marcus Rashford.

The 23-year-old had a free header on goal, but his effort was straight at goalkeeper Alisson.

Rashford delivered another peach of a cross for Zirkzee, but he dragged his effort wide off the far post.

Zirkzee failed to win any of his ten ground and aerial duels. He lost possession 12 times in the game.

He was also unsuccessful with his three take-ons. We believe Zirkzee needs more time to adapt to the league’s higher intensity.

Rasmus Hojlund is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, and he will make his comeback after the international break.

The Dane may not be rushed back into action. If Zirkzee is dropped, manager Erik ten Hag could go with a 4-2-2-2 formation in the short term.

Rashford and Fernandes could lead the attack, with Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo operating in the wide attacking roles.

Stats from Sofascore.com