Darwin Nunez needs to learn from his red card very quickly if he wants to succeed in the Premier League…
JASON MCATEER: MATCHDAY 3 PREMIER LEAGUE PICKS
Liverpool and Man United’s start certainly wasn’t in the script for either team.
There are big problems at Man United and I don’t know when or how they will turn it around. Brighton and Brentford tactically outdone United and the first half vs Brentford highlighted the problems in the team that Ten Hag has to deal with.
Liverpool didn’t put in a ‘Liverpool-like’ performance against Fulham. You can’t let complacency creep into your game, and it happened with Liverpool – they got away with a draw by the skin of their teeth.
Patrick Viera’s game plan against Liverpool was great and sadly for the Reds, Darwin Nunez got sent off, which he is going to learn very quickly from if he’s to play in the Premier League.
Liverpool could beat Man United 5-0 if they repeat Crystal Palace performance
The performance from Liverpool against Crystal Palace was really good and on another night they could’ve scored three or four goals. If they play like that against Man United, it could be a long night for Erik Ten Hag’s men and a similar result to the 5-0 last season.
The changes that were made during the Crystal Palace game proves that Jurgen Klopp isn’t scared to change the team if there is an element of complacency.
Lisandro Martinez is a frightening signing from Erik Ten Hag
Signing a player like Lisandro Martinez – a 5’9 centre-back – frightens me for Man United. Erik Ten Hag clearly wants to stamp his authority down at the club by dropping certain players or selling them and I think he’s in a losing battle with Cristiano Ronaldo. Ten Hag is trying to find a solution, but he needs to stick to his philosophy and not fall under pressure from the fans, otherwise he might be out the door.
Manchester United is a toxic club at the moment. Having numerous managers and different philosophies means players will come and go, because players don’t fit certain systems and so it always ends up a mess.
The owners lying back in America watching from a distance clearly has not worked. They have certainly invested and given managers a chance to refresh the squad with new players.
Man United have to take two or three steps back to raise their standards, wipe out the expectations of the fans to win the Premier League in one or two years, it’s not a realistic aim, it’s too toxic in the changing room.
Raphael Varane wouldn’t take the responsibility of being Man United captain
It’s a very difficult year for players with the World Cup in the middle of the season but
I would believe in Erik Ten Hag if I was a United fan, he’s not like the other short term managers. Man United have talented young players.
Harry Maguire needs to be alongside a dominant and confident centre-back because I don’t think he is a dominant character. Raphael Varane could be that player, but he won’t take the responsibility of being a captain and performing consistently.
Ten Hag needs to bring in players like James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Virgil Van Djik. These Liverpool leaders have helped young players like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot perform in the team and they set the standards in training on how to conduct yourself as a player and a person.
I do feel bad for the young players at United because their careers are slipping away, when they should be competing for Premier League’s, Champions League’s and FA cups. It’s sad for them.
Liverpool should sign Connor Gallagher next season
The midfield against Crystal Palace was weak, Nat Phillips was playing at centre-back and iIt was difficult, Liverpool got away with the result and they’ll have to see towards the end of the season, how many points they might be behind Man City, how costly those draws might be.
Liverpool have spent heavily and identified an area to reinforce after losing Sadio Mane, Tamiku Minamino and Divock Origi but I think next season, the midfield area will be a concern because of the age. It will be changed in the summer transfer window next season and I’d like to see Jude Bellingham sign or even Connor Gallagher.
The passion shown by Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel is exactly what’s needed in football
Leeds are showing signs of being able to stay in the league after losing their most important players and they’ll enjoy the challenge against Chelsea.
Chelsea struggled against Everton. I really enjoyed watching the passion between Tuchel and Conte in the London derby – it’s what is needed in the game.
Chelsea still have too much quality for Jesse Marsch’s men so I’ll go for a Chelsea win.
Erling Haaland hasn’t been prolific for Man City and they will struggle to beat Newcastle.
Eddie Howe is doing very well. He’s added players that fit his philosophy and its working. There’s excitement in Newcastle’s atmosphere and St James’ Park can be a very hard place to go.
Manchester City have been absolutely outstanding, a big win versus Bournemouth and sitting at the top of the table. They’re telling everyone in the league: ‘come and chase us down if you can’.
Pep Guardiola has lots of options, Erling Haaland has not been as prolific as everyone thought he would be. I didn’t think Haaland would join the Premier League and score loads of goals in his first five or six games.
I think it will be a very narrow Manchester City win.
Erik Ten Hag could lose his job if Man United lose to Liverpool
Erik Ten Hag could lose his job if Man United lose to Liverpool. No one knows what team Ten Hag will pick, he probably does not know what team he’ll pick, which is a problem.
Liverpool has shown signs that they have the mentality, to come from behind twice against Crystal Palace and Fulham and to get a couple of points is good.
Ten Hag will be looking for a response, but so will Jurgen Klopp, there will be less injuries by then too.
I’ll go for a Liverpool win 3-0.
Jason McAteer Full Round-up
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