Man United Vs. Liverpool - Stats and Analysis
The match we were all waiting for turned out to be... okay. In some aspects of the game, we were dominated and in others, we matched up fairly well. Using the stats given, I'd like to reflect on the game and give out some honourable mentions. Let's keep our heads up!
Statistics:
Possession:
Liverpool: 66% - Manchester United: 34%
They had possession, mostly in our half, and very little in theirs for the majority of the game. What they did with this possession matters more and truthfully, they didn't capitalize on all of their chances.
In the first half, we looked very jumpy and we didn't settle well.
It looked like we controlled the last 15 minutes and if stats were only taken from there, I think we would've dominated in that aspect.
Shots (on target):
Liverpool: 17(3) - Manchester United: 8(4)
Liverpool, as we predicted, would come out trying to attack us, but we were prepared. Even though the difference in shots was big, I think it followed possession.
However, shots on target were a whole different story. It came down to 'how good was our defending?' and 'which opportunities did we take full advantage of?' and we did better in that aspect, even if it was just by one opportunity.
Corners:
Liverpool: 7 - Manchester United: 3
Corners. I have to admit, defensively, I was very nervous about it. But our setup was different and it worked! We were positioned so tight together it was impossible for Liverpool to get any heads on that with Maguire and Lindelof commanding that.
I have to mention Scott McTominay, who was a beast on some of these and just knocked the ball away with his head.
Definitely better than most times and was very proud of our defence tonight.
Crosses:
Liverpool: 18 - Manchester United: 7
We knew, coming into this game, that Liverpool would take full advantage of their full backs and their wingers. Well, it was very evident in this stat right here.
We did very well here, both defensively and going forward. Maguire made a brilliant stop, denying Firmino a chance to take a shot at David de Gea. And in the attacking third, Rashford played a nice ball to Shaw, who crossed it into Bruno, and with a bit more force and placement, I think that would've been a brilliant goal.
Fouls:
Liverpool: 18 - Manchester United: 6
It was a rough game. We didn't come expecting anything less. They weren't going to give it to us easy. Fouls were proof of that. Very intense and both sides put up a heated fight.
Offsides:
Liverpool: 1 - Manchester United: 8
I can tell that this is the rule that United fans wish didn't exist right now. Marcus Rashford had several chances, but often found himself in an offside position.
I think of this in a positive manner - defensively, we didn't allow them behind us very many times and offensively, we still had that many "chances".
Dribbles Attempted (succeeded):
Liverpool: 19(15) - Manchester United: 17(13)
Again, this is proof we didn't "park the bus" as some fans insist. We played our same formation (4-2-3-1) and took every opportunity forward. We did not come to draw or lose; we came to win. And like I said before, the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but it was fair, with both pros and cons.
In my opinion, we transitioned from defending to attacking very well, building up our play, but when the time came to give it to our forwards, we often fell short.
Tackles Attempted (succeeded):
Liverpool: 16(9) - Manchester United: 20(10)
We definitely did have some tackles, attempted by Wan-Bissaka, few from Pogba, and more of our defence. Few comments on this, brilliant as usual. Defensively, one of our best games, in my opinion. Very few mistakes and just denied every opportunity Liverpool had.
Aerials Won:
Liverpool: 5 - Manchester United: 12
I was honestly nervous about our aerial play. Usually this is where we concede and sometimes the downfall to our play (I'm thinking of the 6-1 loss to Tottenham). But no, we absolutely dominated here! One of these almost resulted in a goal, but unfortunately it was offside and Alisson made a save to save Liverpool. Unfortunate not to gain anything after this stat.
Saves:
Liverpool: 4 - Manchester United: 3
And of course, I simply cannot dismiss David de Gea's work tonight, no matter how uninvolved he was. Made some very key saves, but this is one performance where the defence really covered for him and made his job more simple. Another clean sheet, brilliant saves in the last few minutes of play.
Overall, I think a draw is fair. It was going to be a tough game, we were never winning 5-0. I cannot say it enough - our defence was probably the best all season long.
I don't get all the hate towards Marcus Rashford. His stats were disappointing tonight, but compared to the rest of the forwards, and comparing his stats alone to the overall stats of the team, it seemed like he did a lot.
Yes, I was disappointed in some areas, but there were others (such as the Cavani scenario in the 81st minute) that he couldn't do much about. He's not "punishable by God", and I'm sure he'll get on the scoresheet at our next matchup with Liverpool (Saturday, January 23).
Honourable mention to Paul Pogba. My Man of the Match, like I've said before. He really kept the right side in check and contributed everything tonight.
Arguably the best player on the pitch.
Luke Shaw contributed going forward and tracking back. Was really impressed with his decision-making in different spots - especially that cross to Bruno, like I've mentioned.
It was an exciting match to watch despite the dull outcome. Definitely worth my time and like many others, I'm sure I lost some weight watching it, haha - very "iffy" in some spots.
Still in first place, now 12 unbeaten games in the EPL. Very good from the defence. Onwards and upwards! GGMU! Let's win it next week!
Comments
i only got disappointed how we failed to end Liverpool's unbeaten fairytale
Did you just say fairytale? 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
My biggest regret is Rashford didn't make the pass to Cavani. Cavani easily can score a goal. 😩