REVEALED: Liverpool boss Arne Slot openly discloses Erik Ten Hag’s United strategy following Liverpool victory

The Dutch manager claims that his compatriot’s modified press and utilisation of elevated full-backs left them vulnerable to one-on-one situations when possession was lost.

Arne Slot provided an explanation of the tactical strategy for defeating Manchester United following the merciless exposure of the team’s deficiencies during Sunday’s one-sided Liverpool victory.

Slot witnessed how Liverpool’s set-up enabled them to consistently generate opportunities for a 3-0 victory after they comprehensively won the battle of the Premier League’s Dutch coaches.

Liverpool scored all of its goals as a result of United midfielders losing possession and leaving the home defence outnumbered. Erik ten Hag interpreted this as the result of individual errors, specifically those committed by Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in the first half. However, for Slot, it was a deliberate strategy to maintain Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah at the top of the pitch, allowing his midfielders to take possession and launch a counterattack.

“Their style is also – this is possibly last season, I don’t remember that well – but their full-backs are nine out of 10 times very high, and Casemiro comes in between,” stated Slot.

“Consequently, if you are able to recover the ball and maintain a high level of competition with Diaz and Mo Salah, you will be perpetually in a one-on-one situation.”

“Then you require midfielders who are capable of running, and we had three of them today who continued to run. If they are involved in a duel, they are aggressive enough to emerge victorious.” Therefore, I believe that was one of the primary reasons we were able to prevail.

Slot suggested that United are covering more yards than they did last season. However, he also believes that they have modified their system, which necessitated Liverpool to employ a different strategy than when Jurgen Klopp’s team was defeated in the FA Cup and drew twice in the Premier League.

“United was man-marking the midfield last season and utilising a press with the seven and eleven [wingers].” Slot stated, “The striker also jumped, and one of the wingers accompanied him.”

“This season, they are more consistent with a nine and 10 press, which results in a 442.” Consequently, that is distinct.

“I believe that they are more motivated to work hard when the ball is passed through them, which results in them running more.” At least, that is what I observed during their initial games.