Salah on target
Solskjaer’s men are of course currently locked in FA Cup action, in the tie of the competition’s 4th-round.
The Red Devils welcomed Liverpool to Anfield, for a highly-anticipated showdown between English football’s two most historic clubs.
The clash of course marks the 2nd between the sides in the space of the last week, with a Premier League meeting last Sunday having eventually played out into an altogether drab 0-0 stalemate.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: Thiago of Liverpool challenges for the ball with Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on January 17, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
This evening, though, it has not taken at all long for the net to bulge at Old Trafford.
Liverpool currently lead their hosts by a goal to nil, after Roberto Firmino’s defence-splitting pass was expertly dinked beyond the onrushing Dean Henderson by Mohamed Salah:
MO 🔥#EmiratesFACup @LFC pic.twitter.com/w1YLliI4K1
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 24, 2021
Maguire ever present
Manchester United’s deficit as things stand, meanwhile, comes despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having opted for a near-full strength XI this evening.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford were all utilised from the off at Old Trafford.
As outlined above, though, it is the inclusion of another member of the hosts’ line-up which has since given rise to an altogether remarkable statistic.
As revealed ahead of kick-off, Harry Maguire’s start tonight represents his 93rd for club and country since the beginning of last season, a frankly staggering workload for one player to have taken on:
Today is Harry Maguire’s 93rd start for club or country since the start of last season. A monstrous workload.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) January 24, 2021
*Update* – Manchester United have since drawn level versus Liverpool, courtesy of a fine finish from Mason Greenwood.
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