Last night's game between Liverpool and Manchester United highlighted the gulf between the two clubs in terms of recruitment. It also exposed the galling lack of fight in Ralf Rangnick's team.
Gary Neville praised the passion of youngster Hannibal Mejbri when he came on as a substitute in Manchester United's 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last night.
Manchester United suffered their second humiliating defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s side this season as they ran out 4-0 winners at Anfield.
Goals from Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and two from Mohamed Salah sent Liverpool top of the league in a truly abysmal performance by Ralf Rangnick’s side.
One of the most disappointing aspects of the performance is the lack of passion and aggression by Manchester United, who looked like a side that waiting for the season to end.
If it can even be called a positive, Neville praised the aggression Mejbri showed when he came on. Moments after being introduced, the Tunisian international was yellow-carded for a clumsy tackle on Jordan Henderson and also fouled Sadio Mané.
It's a damning indictment of Manchester United when committing fouls are the sole highlight of the match but that's how bad things have gotten.
🎙️ "The players out there tonight were an ABSOLUTE shambles by the way."
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher express their frustrations with the Manchester United side after their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/IJjwxtihnK— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 20, 2022
"You find yourself being slightly unprofessional because he’s come on and he’s started to topple a couple of them, but the reality is I had to say it.
"If your having the micky taken out of you on the football pitch, and if Thiago’s going out there rolling his foot on the ball, pipping it around the corner and laughing at you on the bench, you come on and you have to throw a few challenges out.
"That was Whiteside, that was Norman Whiteside and Bryan Robson when they came in and knew they were playing against better players and the better team.”
Despite being at fault for Liverpool’s fourth goal and perhaps be lucky not to be sent off, the 19-year-old was praised for being more passionate than his more experienced team-mates, showing the dire situation at Manchester United.
Graeme Souness and Roy Keane were also critical of Manchester United’s lack of passion through the game, with the former Liverpool player highlighting Liverpool’s dominance in midfield.
"Central midfield for Man United, no energy, no aggression in there. Was it two fouls they committed in the first 45 minutes?
"We would’ve been in double figures, both of us if we played in the first half.
"It’s a derby, the biggest derby, show some fire United, make it a bit of a game. But they didn’t, they made it very easy for Liverpool.”
Roy Keane also questioned the character of the side, claiming there is problems regarding the culture that exist in the club.
"This team isn't even likeable, there's no soul with this team, you don't even warm to them.
"Even the words afterwards, I know it's difficult for players to do interviews but it's very robotic, there's no emotion.
"I'd love to know what's going on in the training ground, what's the culture with the players, what's the culture with the young players, who's helping these lads out?
SEE ALSO: Ralf Rangnick Thinks Manchester United Is 'Six Years' Behind Liverpool
