Just after the 50th minute, Manchester United enjoyed their best spell of possession of the match. Stringing together double-digit passes, United was able to get Rafael da Silva established on the right flank, allowing Ryan Giggs to set up int he middle. But while the spell allowed United to rack up possession and passing numbers, they failed to test Pepe Reina, with the only thing garnered from the exchange was the impression Liverpool is prepared to parry United for the last 40 minutes, if need be.
Liverpool Vs. Manchester United: Second Half’s Character Starting To Show
Moments later, we saw another indication that United may be better playing on the counter, a tough situation to be in when down two. A long ball out left found Wayne Rooney, and as the United attacker cut in onto his right foot, he was able to spot Giggs in the middle of the area, 17 yards out. The veteran's first time shot went two yards over goal; tellingly, United's best chance of the match.
Five minutes later (57th minute), the match’s tone seems to have been defined. Liverpool is starting to defend with numbers, not pressure. Ten are behind the ball, though they’re no packed particularly deep. The Reds are looking at long passes out of their own end as their best means of establishing possession. As a result, we look set to see how patient United can be while Liverpool relies on opportunism.
It’s still 2-0 at Anfield, Liverpool looking comfortable if alert.
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