Brave United thwart Liverpool but face injury crisis

A couple of records were broken at Old Trafford yesterday.

According to Opta Sports, Manchester United became the first team to make three substitutions in the first half of a Premier League game since Burnley v Newcastle United in January 2015.

And Jesse Lingard became the first player to be substituted on and off in the first half of a Premier League match since Kevin Long in the same game.

With Anthony Martial and Nemanja Matic already out, Lingard, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera all substituted in the first half with hamstring injuries, and Marcus Rashford forced to play the full game despite suffering an ankle injury in the first 20 minutes, most United fans would have been satisfied with a draw yesterday.

As it turned out, United created the better chances and were unlucky not to get all three points. Another feather in Ole’s cap.

But United are now top of the Premier League injury table with nine players currently unavailable for selection – of whom three have hamstring injuries.

The question is why.

To lose one player with a hamstring injury is unfortunate. To lose two in the same match could be a coincidence. To lose three in the space of 20 minutes, you have to wonder if it could be something to do with the change in approach and style since Mourinho was sacked.

United now have an injury crisis. The quality of their squad will be put to the test for the next few matches. It would be a shame if their resurgence under Solskjaer were to come off the rails because of this.