Liverpool 4-1 Manchester United: 3 Talking Points

Less than half a month left before the new season begins, clubs like to try their new players and test their capability. Clubs examine how new players adapt to the team and determine their strengths and weaknesses.

The International Champions Cup is the tournament where big clubs play against each other with nothing to lose. Managers try their new tactics and formations which help them in deciding which suits the team the most.

Liverpool has been promising so far in pre-season, which will give them the required confidence before the new season begins. Manchester United, on the other hand, have not been that impressive. The contest between Liverpool and United clearly showed the difference.

Liverpool didn't hesitate to play an attacking game, which helped them beat United beat 4-1. The game clearly showed United are far behind in preparation and they need to regroup before the new season begins.

Here we take a look at talking points from the game.

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#1 The starting lineups made the difference

Sanchez had a disappointing game

United's starting lineup was weak compared to Liverpool's. United had only three first-team players in starting lineup which included Alexis Sanchez, Juan Mata, and Ander Herrera.

Liverpool played with a full strength side which was another reason why they had an advantage over United. Liverpool started the game with new recruit Fabinho, and even Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. These players gave them the required confidence. Xherdan Shaqiri, who signed for Liverpool this summer, was also given the chance which proved to be effective.

The only goal of United was scored by Andreas Pereira through the free kick. Pereira scored a stupendous goal by guiding the ball in the top left corner of the net with goalkeeper Kamil Grabara standing like a statue only to watch Pereira's brilliance. He has been the most consistent player for United to date in the pre-season. Mourinho needs to think about playing Pereira more often after how he has performed in the pre-season games.

#2 United's defence needs to improve

United's defence was poor

Jose Mourinho is the manager who believes in playing a defensive game. Manchester defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw are injured, which could trouble the Manchester club in the following season.

Manchester United started with the three defenders, which included Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe. These defenders didn't look comfortable, which is quite natural, as they have rarely played in the back three together.

United have been linked with a number of defenders, which is quite necessary if they want to win the league. With Mourinho as manager, having the good defenders in the team becomes a necessity.

If rumours are to be believed, United are looking to sign either Toby Alderweireld or Harry Maguire, and either of them will be a good addition to the squad.

#3 Shaqiri impressed on his Liverpool debut

Shaqiri had a good start at Liverpool

Liverpool signed Shaqiri from Stoke City, which could prove to be a trump card for them. Shaqiri's first game for Liverpool was worth watching.

He scored a stunning bicycle against Manchester United which was a joy to watch. Shaqiri didn't only score the goal but also set up the goal for Daniel Sturridge.

The former Stoke man has scored similar types of goal before, which indicates that his goal are no fluke. His physicality and agility can prove to be important attribute for Liverpool. Shaqiri caused a lot of problems for United's defence and used his strength to set up a goal for Sturridge.

Shaqiri is a worry for a number of Premier League clubs after seeing how he performed in his Liverpool debut.