‘Dysfunctional midfield’ ‘Big problems’ – Journalists queue up to rip apart Liverpool’s dismal display at Old Trafford

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Pepijn Lijnders (L), Assistant Manager of Liverpool reacts next to Juergen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on August 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

It’s a rare moment when fans and commentators are in perfect harmony over the reality that, had Mo Salah’s late effort led to a dramatic equaliser and share of the spoils, most, if not all, would agree that Liverpool’s performance was far from deserving of taking anything away from Old Trafford.

Neil Jones was joined by a host of fellow journalists in criticising the quality of the Reds’ outing in Manchester, which far from met the standards expected of the FA Cup holders.

The Merseysiders attracted a great deal of critique for the lack of presence shown in midfield as the hosts outran and largely outworked their opponents in the middle of the park.

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp jokingly wrings Bruno Fernandes’ neck after full-time whistle in response to childish antics

A decision not to start Fabinho after his poor first couple of showings against Fulham and Crystal Palace ultimately backfired for the 55-year-old’s men as struggled to assert any kind of control in the middle of the park throughout proceedings.

When a change did come, with Klopp swapping Jordan Henderson for the Brazilian international, it was far too late to make a definitive impact, though we did come close to levelling the scoreline after Mo Salah’s headed effort provided some hope of a third draw in as many games.

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