‘Isn’t working’: Warnock believes two Liverpool stars can’t play together after looking ‘vulnerable’ vs Man United

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Liverpool’s defensive issues persisted during their loss to Manchester United.The Reds really needed a reaction following three successive losses before the international break, but they did not give their fans that at all.Not only did they lose to bitter rivals Man United, but the overall performance was far from adequate to say the least, especially in defence. Poor communication and a lack of organisation were the key themes throughout, with Arne Slot still having a really big issue to solve.In fact, former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock believes that the problems can be pinned on two players alone, suggesting that they cannot start a game together again.Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesLiverpool’s problems came down the left-hand sideLiverpool’s defence has seen a big change over the summer, with both full-back positions seeing the baton passed on.

However, despite Virgil van Dijk in his usual position on the left side of the defence, it was this side of the pitch where Man United looked most dangerous.They constantly got in down this side, with Milos Kerkez struggling again, something that has been all too familiar this season. Warnock was quick to highlight these two as the biggest problems for the Reds as well, believing that they simply cannot play together.“Kerkez and Van Dijk’s relationship on this left-hand side is not working,” he told BBC Sport.“There is a lack of communication and the ball is getting slipped down the side far too many times.

Again they are far too easy to get at. Far too vulnerable to the turnover of possession.”READ MORE: Gary Neville stunned after seeing Virgil van Dijk moment during Liverpool vs Man UnitedBryan Mbuemo in particular was causing the Reds the greatest threat, with other teams probably looking at this and licking their lips ahead of any future meetings.Milos Kerkez needs to be taken out of the firing lineAlthough it is not solely Kerkez’s fault for these defensive issues, he certainly has not covered himself in glory.The fact that van Dijk had a very poor game did not help his case, though, and due to the fact they have not built up a clear understanding with one another yet, it would suggest a change needs to be made.Andy Robertson being the back-up indicates there is a clear solution as well, with Slot perhaps needing to bring him in instead to use his experience to good effect.Taking Kerkez out of the firing line is also not a bad idea either, with the Hungarian needing some time to settle down and learn from one of the best in the world.