Journo taken aback by ‘crazy’ Ten Hag decision that ‘emphasises’ how alarming their situation is

Manchester United fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool in their final pre-season clash overnight.

Goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas were enough for Arne Slot to reign victorious over Erik ten Hag in the Dutchmen’s first encounter. However, fans who tuned in to coverage would argue that the scoreline wasn’t entirely representative of the match’s affairs.

Nevertheless, United’s attention can now turn fully to their first competitive fixture of the 2024/2025 season: the Community Shield Final against Manchester City on August 10. Six days later, they get their Premier League campaign underway with an 8pm kick-off at home to Fulham.

Plenty of matters need tending to before deadline day, too. Another striker and centre-back addition is vital, while a new midfielder certainly wouldn’t go amiss after watching Casemiro pick up where he left off last term – struggling.

In terms of sales, it’s been widely reported that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is closing in on a move to West Ham, with his exit paving the way for Noussair Mazaraoui to bolster Ten Hag’s fullback options.

Read more: ‘We are a selling club’ – Manager makes candid admission after United revive interest in their talisman

Wan-Bissaka makes lengthy cameo ahead of rumoured West Ham switch

Yet, despite the Englishman being tipped for an imminent return to London, he featured longer than any of his outfield teammates against Liverpool – a decision which journalist Ryan Taylor has branded ‘crazy’.

Wan-Bissaka played 83 minutes before he was withdrawn from the action after requiring treatment from the medical staff. Should he have sustained an injury, any deal would presumably fall through, impacting both clubs’ transfer plans.

The tactical choice only ‘emphasises how badly’ the United squad is ‘stretched’, Taylor added.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka played more minutes (83) than any outfield Man Utd player last night in 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. Crazy given West Ham agreement is close. Obviously other moving parts (Noussair Mazraoui) but emphasises how badly Erik ten Hag is currently stretched. #MUFC #WHUFC

— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) August 4, 2024