For all of the progress made by Manchester United under Erik ten Hag this season, this evening provided a stark reminder that the problems at the clubs are still very much present.
In short, when things went against them at Anfield, they were nothing short of a disgrace.
The capitulation they experienced in the second half of the 7-0 defeat was scarcely believable, with the scoreline in no way flattering Liverpool. A number big names in the United team all but gave up as the match progressed, something that does not bode well for their chances of reestablishing themselves among the elite of English and European football.
Not many would have been seen this type of result coming. United had been in excellent form over the last couple of months, and while Liverpool had put in a few good performances of their own in recent weeks, many felt this was an opportunity for the visitors to get a big win on Merseyside.
The reality was very different, leading to serious questions about the attitude of certain members of that squad.
Roy Keane could sense a rot coming at Manchester United
While many saw Manchester United's Carabao Cup win last week as the dawn of an exciting new era at the club, Roy Keane was worried about the way some around Old Trafford had acted in the aftermath of the win over Newcastle.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, he said that elements of their performance against West Ham in midweek and their reaction at Anfield today pointed towards a worrying attitude developing within the club.
🗣️ “The circus is back in town at Man United. They’re having a laugh and a joke, I don’t like to see that rubbish. A lot of nonsense before the game. Half-time, you’re 1-0 down at Anfield having a laugh and joke. You’re here to work.”
Roy Keane on Man United. 😡 pic.twitter.com/5jGdB9ijjc— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 5, 2023
Fernandes' body language today was nothing short of disgraceful. He's a talented boy, he's your captain, he's got so much talent, but he was waving his arms and not running back. You wouldn't be happy with him...
I looked at Manchester United and they won the cup last week, there were a lot of celebrations. Of course, you'd never begrudge a team that.
Then they turned up against West Ham, and I was at the game, the circus was back in town at Man United. I was always wary of that when I was a player there, keeping an eye on people and not getting because away because you know what this game can do to you.
I seen the players come here today. I seen one or two players coming out in the second half having a laugh and a joke. They're 1-0 down at Anfield and they're having a laugh and a joke with some of the Anfield staff?
I don't like to see all that rubbish, do not like to see it. I think that circus can creep back to Man United, the manager and senior players have to keep an eye on that.
It was the same against West Ham the other night, a lot of nonsense before the game. They were having presentations, I understand maybe one or two, but there was about four or five.
You look at halftime, there was a couple of players going down the tunnel having a laugh and a joke. You're 1-0 down at Anfield, you're here to work. This is a serious business, big boy stuff. Forget about the laughing and joking.
Then you see lads coming out in the second half and throwing the towel in, they weren't laughing at the end of the game.
Damning stuff.
Erik ten Hag will need to ensure that this result does not derail Manchester United's season, with some looking as though they have taken their foot off the gas in the aftermath of their Carabao Cup win.
SEE ALSO: Roy Keane Was So Shocked By Man United Performance That He Couldn't Even Give Out
