How Does Manchester United and Liverpool Get Back After the Stalemate?

Liverpool hosted Manchester United at Anfield on Monday but the performance of the two teams was nothing to write home about. There were so many missed passes and fewer chances created on both sides with Zlatan Ibrahimovic perhaps getting the best chance to take United through, but he did not. How does Mourinho get his guns together in their upcoming match against Fenerbahce and how does Klopp get back the Liverpool that played well before the second international break?

Jose Mourinho has always been known for his tactical master class and on Monday he did provide a line-up that was not expected as several players including Rooney and Mata sat on the bench with the surprise inclusion being Ashley Young because of his strength and defensive duties. It paid off, Liverpool controlled much of the game but the team could not break through Manchester United’s defense with Bailly, Smalling and Valencia reading the game perfectly and intercepting play when it was much needed.

Jürgen Klopp could not believe the loose play of his Liverpool team and rightly so because they were tipped by pundits to have negotiated this match easily.

Klopp must have felt disappointed with the performance of forward Daniel Sturridge as the forward contributed nothing to Liverpool’s play leaving much of the task to Sadio Mane, Firmino and Coutinho. Klopp was expecting his side to get three points and join Manchester City and Arsenal on 19 points but the draw has pointed numerous weaknesses in his team and he would use this opportunity to map out different strategies heading into the ninth matchday of the campaign.

Manchester United Play Chelsea Next Whiles Liverpool Host WBA

Manchester United’s games come in thick and fast because Mourinho travels to the Bridge, the first time after his exit from the club during the 2015/16 season. Antonio Conte and Chelsea are on 16points and would like to keep tabs on the leaders and would be relishing a win over one of the favorites after losing out to Liverpool and Arsenal. Diego Costa and Eden Hazard seems to have found a new rhythm with Conte reverting to his 3-5-2 formation that gives Hazard the chance to play behind Diego Costa.

Mourinho and Manchester United have not won against the top sides this season managing only a draw against Liverpool on Monday and losing to Manchester City on matchday four. Getting one over his old employers would be one Mourinho would relish because he felt betrayed by some team members.

Liverpool against Manchester United this time round did not live up to its billing as the two teams seems to have relaxed through the international break and would need to get their concentrations back as soon as possible if they have any chance of fighting for the title.

Liverpool would host West Bromwich Albion on October 22 at 9:30AM PST whiles Manchester United plays on the road to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 23 at 8AM PST.