Slot's VAR fury but loss highlights Liverpool issues

A chant of "champions" was a constant from the away end throughout this wild afternoon at Old Trafford. The Liverpool fans had every right to remind their rivals of their triumph last season, but it was a timely reminder too of how far their side has fallen in a feeble title defence. United finished 42 points behind them in 15th place, but now look set to finish above Slot's side for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign. Michael Carrick's men also completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since 2015-16. A tally of 18 defeats in all competitions is also the most since the Reds lost 19 in 2009-10, which was Rafael Benitez's last season at Anfield. Since 1962, there has only been three seasons when Liverpool have lost more than 18 games in a campaign. Those numbers sum up their plight. It doesn't take much of an eye test to sum it up too. Six points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth with three games left, Liverpool should secure Champions League football and deserve some credit for that. But watch this side on a weekly basis and it's clear to see this is a team that is struggling and one that cannot wait for this campaign to finish. The injuries have been relentless and that was encapsulated with record signing Alexander Isak absent at Old Trafford and third-choice Freddie Woodman and fourth-choice Armin Pecsi as their two goalkeeping options. …