Capital One Cup: Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool - Five talking points

David Moyes will certainly be relieved by the fact that he got over his disappointing start to the season by finally beating Liverpool 1-0 courtesy of a Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez goal. Moyes will be hoping for more of the same over the weekend, but before that let us look at the major talking points from the third round fixture of the Capital One Cup.

Suarez is back, but not quite with a bang

Luis Suarez made his much awaited return to action after his 10-match ban (Getty Images)

Before the start of the tie, the headlines were dominated by Luis Suarez’s return from a 10-match suspension and how he was the harbinger of hope for this side in transition. And whilst the Uruguayan certainly was Liverpool’s best player on the pitch, he still couldn’t push his side over the finishing line.

The Uruguayan certainly created plenty of chances and also had an astounding eight shots on goal, which also included hitting the bar, in a performance that would have pleased his manager. But Liverpool couldn’t take their chances and ultimately paid the price for it as they lost 1-0. After the match, Suarez himself admitted the same when he said, “the feeling is good because we played very well, we created chances but we missed”.

He also added “I’m here to help the team and help Liverpool and I’ll try my best.”

Moyes gets the response he was looking for

David Moyes now has the best ever start as a United manager since Sir Matt Busby (Getty Images)

After an embarrassing derby day defeat to Manchester City, Moyes would have wanted his players to pick themselves up in this third round fixture. And although the side on show, had plenty of changes from the side that got beat at the weekend, they still showed plenty of spirit which would have no doubt encouraged Moyes.

The win also meant that Moyes now has had the best start that any United manager has ever enjoyed, since Sir Matt Busby which will no doubt please him no end.

Against City, United looked like they were never up for it, but against Liverpool that desire was evident from the first whistle. Phil Jones enjoyed a splendid performance playing as a holding midfielder and for all the cries to free Shinji Kagawa, his performance showed that whilst undoubtedly talented, it will take him a while to settle into this United side.

At least, Moyes can be pleased by his players’ response to a humiliating set back, which will hold them in good stead in the long run.

Liverpool still have a long way to go

Liverpool have made a bright start, but are still a work in progress (Getty Images)

After the opening few weeks, all the talk was about how Rodgers had finally got it right and how Liverpool might yet challenge for the top four. But, the past couple of games showed that they are still a long way away and are still a work in progress. Whilst defeat to Southampton showed that their attack looks a little blunt at times without Suarez, the game against United in the Capital One Cup showed that, even with the Uruguayan, Rodgers still has a lot of fundamental issues to work on before claiming that his project is ready.

Whilst they might not be title challengers of top four contenders one thing is certain – Liverpool’s defence certainly looks solid and if Rodgers is able to build on that, they might yet make it to Europe at the end of this season.

‘Chicharito’ shows just what he is all about

‘Chicharito’ Javier Hernandez’s goal settled the contest yesterday (Getty Images)

All the talk over the past few months have been about Wayne Rooney and his supposed move away from Old Trafford and even before the game against City at the weekend, it was about Robin van Persie and how his injury might really affect the team. It seemed as if ‘Chicharito’ had become a forgotten man. But all along, the Mexican never threw a hissy fit and bided his time until the opportune moment arrived.

And when that came against Liverpool, he showed just why he is one of the most lethal finishers not just at United, but in the Premier League as a whole. His strike saved David Moyes’ blushes and the Mexican finished with a 100% pass completion rate, a stat not many can claim as their own; especially after having played three-quarters of the game.

His performance presents Moyes with another dilemma in the striking department, but one that Moyes would love to have.

United’s young guns come to prominence

Phil Jones and Jonny Evans had a good game for United yesterday (Getty Images)

Much had been made of United’s persistence of playing the younger players in the League Cup under Ferguson and that has continued under Moyes. It was a completely new look back-four as Rafael made his comeback from injury, Alexander Buttner made his first start to the new season and the pairing of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling replaced Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

As the game went on, all of them looked the part, with Evans particularly impressing with his aerial prowess and Smalling sweeping up with tackles.

Even Phil Jones, who played as a defensive midfielder, enjoyed a solid game as he won everything in the air, and provided the team with a physical presence in central midfield. And although it was just one match, if these players progress as expected, Moyes’ job of transitioning the older players will be made relatively easy.