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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlotte Coates

Michael Owen aims dig at Man United as Liverpool defender accused of 'ball watching'

Your Liverpool digest for Wednesday, September 14.

Michael Owen aims transfer dig at Manchester United after Liverpool comparison

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has criticised Manchester United for their transfer business in recent years, saying United has signed players who "look like they've never played football before".

Owen made 52 appearances for United, but that didn't stop him from slamming his former club for their transfer activity over the past decade.

The 42-year-old believes United have fallen behind their bitter rivals Liverpool when it comes to bringing in new players.

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Speaking on BT Sport before Liverpool kicked off against Ajax at Anfield in the Champions League, Owen said: "It’s very rare that five players play well and five players stink the place out, you normally play well as a team and poorly as a team — it effects everybody," said Owen. "When there’s no pressing from the front, all of a sudden the defence looks vulnerable then they make mistakes, it’s a chain reaction.

Read the full story HERE

'Ball watching' - Trent Alexander-Arnold defensive verdict shared after Ajax goal against Liverpool

Rio Ferdinand has criticised Trent Alexander-Arnold for "ball watching" as Ajax found a way in down Liverpool's right to then fire in an equaliser at Anfield.

Liverpool were given the lead in the first half by Mohamed Salah before Mohammed Kudus blasted in the Dutch champions equaliser at the Kop end.

Despite the criticism and the dip in concentration from the young right-back, the former Manchester United defender called Alexander-Arnold an "incredibly gifted footballer."

Talking about half-time on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: " We spoke about being engaged defensively before the game. You can see the intentions of the Liverpool team, pressing in the wide area. They beat the press, composure from Ajax, good shape but the ball comes out but Trent’s got to see that run.

Read the full story HERE

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