Liverpool delivered a stunning performance at Old Trafford, outclassing Manchester United with a 3-0 victory to continue their unbeaten start under new manager Arne Slot.
This win marked Liverpool’s third consecutive Premier League victory without conceding a goal and raised questions about United's readiness under Erik ten Hag.
The match began with Liverpool asserting dominance, and it wasn’t long before they found the back of the net, though Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early effort was ruled offside. Despite the setback, Liverpool remained relentless.
In the 35th minute, Casemiro's mistake in midfield allowed Mohamed Salah to cross to Luis Diaz, who headed Liverpool into the lead. Just seven minutes later, Diaz doubled his tally after another error from Casemiro, capitalising on a precise pass from Salah to sweep the ball into the net, leaving United reeling.
United struggled to keep up with Liverpool's pace and precision. The home side’s midfield, usually a strong point, was overrun by Liverpool’s aggressive pressing, with Casemiro’s off day exemplifying United's lack of control. Ten Hag made substitutions at halftime to try and turn the tide, but Liverpool’s grip on the game only tightened.
In the second half, Salah added a third goal in the 56th minute. Picking up a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai, Salah effortlessly beat United goalkeeper Andre Onana, recording his 12th goal in 15 appearances against United.
Despite some late attempts by Joshua Zirkzee to break through Liverpool’s defence, the visitors remained solid at the back, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate effectively neutralising any threats.
The final whistle confirmed a comfortable win for Liverpool, much to the delight of their travelling fans. Meanwhile, United’s players were met with a chorus of boos from their supporters, reflecting their frustration at another lacklustre performance.
This loss leaves Ten Hag facing increasing scrutiny, as United’s early season form has been far from convincing despite his recent contract renewal following the FA Cup victory.
After the match, Arne Slot commended his team's focused and ruthless display, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards. Slot told BBC Motd: "All of them [games so far] mean a lot. The first one was my first as Liverpool manager and the second was my first home game. This was my first big win. They showed me in the last weeks that they can work so hard. We were so dominant with the ball and play a midfield of three."
Conversely, Erik ten Hag acknowledged the shortcomings of his team. "We tried to get it to 2-1. We had the shot with Joshua Zirkzee that could have done that, then we made another mistake. It was a really clinical finish from Mohamed Salah. I have to credit this and compliment Liverpool on how they finish. They were great goals."
The result solidifies Liverpool's position at joint-top of the Premier League table with Man City, showcasing Slot's effective start as manager. For United, this match serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for improvement if they are to seal a top-four spot this season.
The contrasting fortunes of the two teams could set the tone for the rest of the campaign, with Liverpool looking like strong contenders and United left searching for solutions.
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