Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag could move three stars up pecking order after Liverpool mauling | Football | Sport

Red Devils supporters suffered through one of their worst results in history as bitter rivals Liverpool thrashed them 7-0 at Anfield. United competed early in the game but the hosts went for the jugular in the second half, notching six goals in 41 minutes. 

The result came as a major shock given United’s solid run of form under Ten Hag, which had earned them a first piece of major silverware in six years when they beat Newcastle at Wembley just seven days prior. 

While none of the United squad will have been pleased with the way things went at Anfield, Express Sport takes you through three stars who could move up the pecking order as a result of a traumatic afternoon…

Anthony Elanga

The Swede was a steady performer for United last campaign but Ten Hag seems unconvinced, giving Elanga just five Premier League starts all season. He didn’t appear at Anfield until the 85th minute on Sunday, and while he failed to pull up any trees during his brief cameo, the failings of his competition may have done him a favour. 

Already vying for spots out wide are Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho. While the latter didn’t get on the pitch against Liverpool, the former trio all had torrid afternoons which may boost Elanga’s chances of seeing more game time. 

Jadon Sancho

Perhaps in an effort to protect the player after removing him from the spotlight earlier this season, Ten Hag left Sancho untouched on the bench as Liverpool ran riot on home turf. 

In terms of those providing competition for minutes on the wing, Antony proved ineffective against the Reds, Fernandes was heavily criticised for his disastrous showing and Garnacho lost possession time and again after coming on. Sancho’s standing in the pecking order will only improve as a result.