Jose Mourinho sent his Manchester United side out to Anfield with a draw the number one priority. An away victory would be more than welcome but United kept it tight.
The first 45 minutes of the Premier League clash at Anfield saw United press their hosts high up the pitch. It was fascinating stuff.
The second half was more shadow-boxing than anything too lusty. United fell back into their own half and only threatened in the final 20 minutes. In playing a disciplined, defensive game they allowed Liverpool 65% possession.
The result, style and statistics had football fans caterwauling.
I've never seen United park a bus like this before. Completely outplayed in the second half #mufc
— Patriot (@PatriotOfori) October 17, 2016
One image, captured from TV footage during the game, has gone viral and Liverpool fans are claiming this is definitive proof that United came to Anfield to park the bus.
A tight back four with wingers Ashley Young and Marcus Rashford filling the gaps out wide when Liverpool got on the ball and pressed forward.
Certainly odd to see United with nine men behind the ball in a structured defensive formation. Only goalkeeper David De Gea and Paul Pogba [No.10 role] and Zlatan Ibrahimovic [striker] are not pictured.
What that image shared and retweeted off multiple accounts, it was only a matter of time before an intrepid United supporter did some digging to see if Liverpool were play it safe themselves…
Nine men behind the ball. Six in a defensive spread just outside the box.
Proof, as if you needed it, that modern football is a joyless fossil not worth supporting.
In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.
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