This time, Liverpool showcased a clinical and merciless performance that could easily have replicated their historic 5-0 win at Old Trafford in 2021. Liverpool’s Colombian midfielder Luis Diaz celebrated his opening goal against Manchester United with sheer triumph, as seen at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England. Pic/AFP
Arne Slot successfully navigated his first significant test as Liverpool manager with a dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester United, owing to two goals from Luis Diaz and a strike from Mohamed Salah on Sunday. Slot faces the challenging role of succeeding Jurgen Klopp but has begun his tenure faultlessly, maintaining a 100 percent record from three Premier League games, placing Liverpool neck and neck with Manchester City at the top of the table.
In stark contrast, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag finds himself under mounting scrutiny just three games into the new season. Last season, Ten Hag oversaw United’s worst Premier League finish, ending in eighth place, and barely kept his job after an internal review. The Dutchman’s prospects brightened after a surprising FA Cup final win against Manchester City and a hefty £200 million ($262 million) investment in the transfer market. Yet, United’s recurrent issues from the previous season were glaringly evident against the formidable visitors.
Casemiro, once a stalwart in midfield, became the scapegoat for United’s faltered efforts. The Brazilian was culpable for both of Diaz’s goals and found himself replaced at halftime by youngster Toby Collyer. United introduced new £42 million signing Manuel Ugarte before kickoff, pinning hopes on the Uruguayan to fortify their midfield. On the other hand, Liverpool refrained from securing a defensive midfielder in the market, instead, Slot made the inspired decision to deploy Ryan Gravenberch in that role.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance over United during Klopp’s stewardship, Klopp managed to secure only two wins out of 11 matches at Old Trafford. Last season saw Liverpool unable to capitalize on their supremacy, with United narrowly winning a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final 4-3 and subsequently drawing 2-2 in the league, which effectively dashed Liverpool’s title hopes.
This time, Liverpool demonstrated ruthless efficiency.
. An early reprieve for United came when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s attempt was deflected by Luis Diaz, only for the ball to hit Salah, who was offsides, as it reached Alexander-Arnold. Casemiro initially appeared to regain his old form in the season’s first matches after struggling the previous year. However, the five-time Champions League winner once again seemed out of his depth. Gravenberch pounced on Casemiro’s careless pass, setting up Salah whose perfectly placed cross was headed in by Diaz.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a crucial save shortly thereafter, thwarting a powerful low shot from Noussair Mazraoui. The home side’s morale crumbled once the second goal arrived three minutes before halftime. Again, Casemiro was dispossessed by Diaz, who swiftly advanced into the box to convert Salah’s cross, extending Liverpool’s lead.
Salah scored his customary goal against United at the 56-minute mark, striking a blow to United’s already shattered morale. The Egyptian’s stunning finish from Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass marked his 15th goal in 16 meetings against United, including scoring in his last seven appearances at Old Trafford. Salah missed a further opportunity by blazing over from close range when his teammates anticipated a pass. Another exceptional save by Alisson, denying Joshua Zirkzee, helped Liverpool maintain their spotless record under Slot.
With Arsenal poised as the predicted challengers to Manchester City’s four consecutive titles, Liverpool’s form in the early stages of the campaign has eradicated any lingering doubts about their contender status, even without Klopp’s leadership.
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