In their last pre-season game of the US tour, Manchester United suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Liverpool. The match, played at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, saw Liverpool win with goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Konstantinos Tsimikas. This defeat acted as a major wake-up call for Erik ten Hag and his team as they gear up for the 2024/25 season.
Despite the defeat, the match statistics indicate a tighter contest in terms of possession and attacking play. Manchester United had 47% of the possession, while Liverpool had 53%. United recorded 18 attempts on goal, with eight on target, compared to Liverpool’s nine attempts, five of which were on target, requiring saves from United’s goalkeeper, André Onana.
Marcus Rashford delivered a notable performance playing in his favored left-wing role. He was a key threat for United, showing sharpness and drive. In his 45 minutes on the field, Rashford touched the ball 29 times, achieving an 82% pass accuracy by completing 18 of 22 passes. His offensive efforts included three shots (one on target) and three successful dribbles. Additionally, Rashford won all three of his duels, highlighting his competitive edge.
The statistical comparison between the teams underscores United’s shortcomings. United completed 455 passes with an 83% accuracy rate, while Liverpool made 517 passes with an 85% accuracy rate. These statistics reflect the competitive nature of the game but also highlight Liverpool’s superior efficiency and clinical finishing.
Despite the team’s overall defeat, Rashford’s performance stood out positively for United fans. His determination to improve on last season’s disappointments was clear, and his play offered a glimmer of hope. The 26-year-old academy graduate’s contributions demonstrated his potential to be a pivotal player for United in the upcoming season.
As Manchester United reviews their 3-0 loss, Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff will likely concentrate on addressing the identified issues. The pre-season match against Liverpool provided valuable insights, highlighting the necessary adjustments for a competitive 2024/25 season. Rashford’s impressive performance, coupled with the detailed match statistics, offers a foundation for optimism as the team works on refining their strategies and leveraging their strengths.
In summary, while the defeat against Liverpool in their final pre-season game was disappointing, the lessons learned, particularly from Rashford’s strong showing, offer hope. These insights will be crucial as the team prepares for the new season, helping to shape their strategy and ambitions.
