Rio Ferdinand reacting to Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool (Picture: YouTube)
Rio Ferdinand was more than content with Manchester United drawing with Liverpool but is concerned by how Casemiro was ‘exposed’ in the Red Devils’ dysfunctional midfield.
In yet another absorbing and entertaining Premier League fixture, Liverpool could only draw 2-2 with United at Old Trafford as they failed to move back to the top of the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated for large periods and looked like they would go on to clinch a crucial win for their title aspirations when Luis Diaz beat Andre Onana midway through the first half.
Liverpool ought to have pressed home their advantage in a one-sided opening 45 minutes and continued to dominant a lacklustre Manchester United until Bruno Fernandes capitalised on an error from Jarell Quansah and lifted a precise, long-range strike past Caoimhin Kelleher.
The goal briefly derailed Liverpool who then fell behind to England international Kobbie Mainoo’s superb curling effort.
Klopp’s team did manage to get a goal back to leave Old Trafford with a point but may seen the outcome as two points dropped as they battle Arsenal and Manchester City for the title.
For Manchester United, the draw just about keeps their Champions League aspirations alive and comes with the added bonus of potentially disrupting Liverpool’s title charge.
Liverpool were frustrated at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)
‘I’ll be honest, before the game I would’ve taken 2-2 in a heartbeat,’ Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. ‘Given the form and performances from United, I would’ve taken a draw.
‘We were lucky today, Liverpool created so many chances. They were the better team but the best team doesn’t always win.
‘At least United showed a bit of character. There was plenty of character but there was never a time when we looked in control.’
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Ferdinand struggles to see how Manchester United’s tactics are sustainable after they conceded more goals and even more chances against Liverpool.
United have struggled to control matches under Erik ten Hag, drawing 1-1 with Brentford last week in a game they were outplayed and losing 4-3 to Chelsea in midweek after two injury-time goals.
‘There’s huge spaces on the pitch whenever United play at the moment,’ Ferdinand said.
Casemiro struggled in Manchester United’s dysfunctional midfield (Picture: Getty)
‘I don’t care who you are – you look at Casemiro, he’s hugely experienced and won everything – but even he at times today looked open and exposed because the gaps between the midfielders is so big.
‘I don’t think it matters who you are, it would be so difficult to look a good player in that midfield. We look like a drunk fighter on his last legs.’
While Liverpool bid to become Premier League champions in Klopp’s final season at Anfield, Manchester United sit sixth – 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham – with seven games remaining.
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