Man Utd’s back three surprised me – but credit to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for nullifying Liverpool

MANCHESTER UNITED with three at the back surprised me – I did not see that coming.

But you have to credit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the decision, regardless of whether Liverpool had an off day or not.

For large parts of the game United nullified Liverpool at Old Trafford, using a 3-4-1-2 system to great effect.

What they did especially well involved that back three of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Marcos Rojo – the foundation of their good performance.

Because Roberto Firmino is used to dropping deep and picking up pockets of space, United’s defensive trio outnumbered Liverpool’s attacking duo of Divock Origi and Sadio Mane.

Firmino was then crowded out by the two holding midfielders in Scott McTominay and Fred, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were man-marked by Ashley Young and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

So at all times, United had a 3v2 at the back and reduced the space for the runners off of them.

What looked to be a risky move on paper turned out to be a fantastic tactical decision.

And by having three at the back, United also gave themselves the best chance on the counter with two up top in Marcus Rashford and Dan James.

The pair were excellent at splitting Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip in attack, giving space through the middle for their extra man in midfield in Andreas Pereira.

Ultimately, the system suited United so well because they are far better without the ball – just 32 per cent possession last night proves that.

And for all the criticism Ole has faced over the past few weeks, he has shown he has the adaptability and tactical awareness to get it right on the big occasions.

Okay, they conceded late on – but Ole got it spot on.