United manager Ten Hag acknowledges that Liverpool has the advantage of a seasoned team

Liverpool appears to be a more experienced team compared to Manchester United, boasting a well-knit group of seasoned players, according to United manager Erik ten Hag’s comments ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League showdown at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Liverpool is currently going through a distinct phase of the life cycle,” Ten Hag informed reporters on Friday. “The team has a strong sense of cohesion, with players who have developed a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses through years of playing together. Their collective experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.”

“Our team composition is quite diverse and we need to assemble a new group.”
United have not defeated Liverpool in the league since a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in August 2022. However, Ten Hag’s team emerged triumphant with a 4-3 win over former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp’s side to clinch the FA Cup last season.

Last season, Liverpool secured a commendable third place in the league, a remarkable achievement that placed them five spots and 22 points ahead of United. However, Ten Hag expressed his team’s encouragement by highlighting their impressive performance in the cup final.

“We have a track record of success, as evidenced by our victory in the FA cup last year during the latter part of the season,” the Dutchman confidently stated.

“Liverpool is a team that has a strong understanding and cohesion among its players.” This is what new manager Arne Slot has inherited. It was constructed over the past few years.

Slot and Ten Hag have previously crossed paths during their stints in the Dutch topflight, with both of them displaying similar levels of performance.

Both managers have an equal number of wins against each other in the Eridivisie, and Sunday’s match at Old Trafford will be their first meeting since March 2022.

Liverpool have had a strong start to the season under Slot, who became their first manager since Graeme Souness in 1991 to win his first two league games in charge with Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Brentford.

Contrary to expectations, United suffered their first defeat of the season with a 2-1 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion last Saturday.

“One of the reasons I chose to come here is because I was aware of the immense challenges that awaited me. Taking charge of a club with numerous issues is no easy task,” mentioned Ten Hag, who assumed control of United in April 2022.

“I’ve been stuck with a disappointing track record of six years without any championship wins.” We’re currently going through a period of change. We have a roster of young players, academy prospects, and now it’s time to build a team that will thrive in the future.