Man Utd humiliation proves Liverpool is smarter and got the last laugh

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Had Benjamin Sesko chosen to sign for Newcastle United rather than Manchester United this summer, then the wheels might have been greased for Alexander Isak to get his dream move to Liverpool.

And as the $100 million (£74 million) Slovenian stepped up to take a penalty at Blundell Park on Wednesday, he would have been forgiven for wondering whether he had made the right call.

Sesko scored, but another summer signing, Bryan Mbuemo, missed, and Manchester United exited the Carabao Cup on penalties to a League Two team before Liverpool had even entered.

As a side in European competition this season, Liverpool only made the draw for the third round.

Grimsby beat Manchester United on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

No modern, attacking and front-footed team plays with a trio of center-backs and Manchester United doesn't even have three good ones.

And Manchester United still has no proper wing-backs, which are crucial to the 3-4-3 system.

That rigidity and unwillingness to move away from a back three is exactly why Liverpool steered clear when it was looking for a new head coach and settled on Arne Slot — an inspired decision that has already brought home one Premier League title.

He has not been perfect — and appearing to hide away while his players took their spot kicks wasn't a good look.

Really, though, Manchester United needs a lot more changes behind the scenes and a complete overhaul of its playing staff