Manchester United 0-0 Liverpool: 5 takeaways from the game | Premier League 2018-19

#4 United missed Matic

Fulham FC v Manchester United - Premier League

Right from the kickoff, it was apparent that United were missing Nemanja Matic. Scot McTominay failed to replicate the same impact from the middle of the field and even though he grew in confidence as the game progressed, there were several instances where everyone was reminded of how important Matic is to this team.

The Serbian shields the back four and picks up the pieces in front of the box. He is extremely important in implementing the discipline that holds the team together when they are chasing the ball. And when he has the ball, he dictates the tempo from the deep and can pick out glorious balls that unleash the forward players. With him in the team, Pogba and Herrera play without fear and with the knowledge that the Serbian has their back.

Without Matic, United looked vulnerable and Herrera and Pogba had to be wary all the time. It is clear that United do not have a back up for Matic in their team and that is something that Solskjaer should be worried about.