Two Man Utd players were 'carrying knocks' against Liverpool, it could explain the defeat

Two Manchester United players were carrying knocks during the club’s stunning defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, it has been claimed.

Jurgen Klopp’s side demolished bitter rivals United 7-0 at the weekend, a scoreline which the Old Trafford club had last been subjected to on Boxing Day 1931.

The result was even more surprising given Liverpool had gone into the game in stuttering form. Meanwhile, United were on an 11-game unbeaten run, fresh from having won the Carabao Cup just seven days earlier, their first trophy since 2017.

Naturally, United has been widely slated since the defeat, with former club captain Gary Neville having described the performance as an "absolute disgrace, a shambles",

Moreover, Ten Hag slated his players for failing to "fulfil their jobs" and "stick together" during their astonishing Liverpool capitulation.

The Dutchman added: “It was a surprise for me, I haven't seen this from my team I don't think it's us, I don't think it's Manchester United. It's really bad and poor."

Two United players were “carrying knocks” against Liverpool

United now turn to their attention to the Europa League on Thursday where they will attempt to shake off the chastening Liverpool performance when they take on Real Betis.

Indeed, Ten Hag is likely to make changes after the result at Anfield. However, his hand may be forced when it comes to Casemiro and Raphael Varane.

The United website claimed there have been some unverified suggestions that the pair were carrying knocks at Anfield.

Even if fit the United boss may be tempted to sideline Casemiro against Betis, with the Brazilian one booking away from a European suspension.

Elsewhere, Victor Lindelof was ruled out of the Liverpool game with a minor injury, while Anthony Martial remained sidelined alongside Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek.

Jadon Sancho, who missed the club’s FA Cup clash with West Ham United last week with illness, could come back into the side, having been an unused substitute against Liverpool.

Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Manchester United, Real Betis, Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Europa League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.