Sources close to Manchester United have told The Athletic that Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth contributed to their second-half collapse against Liverpool.
The Red Devils lost 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday but were only 1-0 down heading into the second half.
Man United players travelled to Liverpool believing that a win would keep them in a title race.
However, the Gunners’ incredible comeback on Saturday dealt a psychological blow to them.
Man United players were following the game and sent each other encouraging messages as Arsenal went 2-0 down.
They speculated that defeat for the Gunners could create an opening for them to re-enter the title race.
An Arsenal defeat would have given the Red Devils a chance to close the gap between them to eight points.
They also have a game in hand and winning that would have further reduced that distance to five points.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side produced one of the greatest comebacks of the season to move five points clear at the top.
Man United players had to beat Liverpool to stand a chance of maintaining hopes of an unlikely title challenge.
Sadly, the Anfield environment took its toll on them and they succumbed to defeat.
The players were dead silent in their dressing room afterwards.
They could hear the celebrations of Liverpool’s players and are not going to forget Sunday anytime soon.
The squad reported for training on Monday morning.
Manager Erik ten Hag watched the whole game back with them and they went through all the mistakes.
Many of their key players were playing at a full Anfield for the first time and it told on them.
The players made their opinions on the capitulation known during Monday’s meeting.
They have bounced back from each of their defeats this term and will look to do so tonight.
Sunday’s result clearly shows that Man United still have plenty of work to do.
They buckled under pressure against the Reds and must prevent that going forward.
Victory against Real Betis tonight will be a perfect tonic for their heartache.
