Manchester United fell to a crushing 3-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Premier League. Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, while for United’s manager Erik ten Hag, the experience was painfully all too familiar. Just three games into the season and Ten Hag finds himself under intense scrutiny yet again.
Liverpool, under Slot’s leadership, secured their first victory against United. It’s noteworthy to mention that this was considered to be their toughest challenge after securing comfortable wins against Ipswich and Brentford. Despite expectations being high, United was found wanting. Their unremarkable performance, symbolised by a particularly poor show from Casemiro, was a version of a first-half catastrophe. Their only saving grace was that the defeat wasn’t as crushing as the 7-0 thrashing they received at Anfield two seasons ago.
Arne Slot with his team took full advantage and won the match impressively. The dominance of Liverpool in all areas was ruthlessly evident, their victory was confirmed when Luis Diaz scored his second aim to make it 2-0 towards the end of the first half. An additional goal was delivered by Mohamed Salah, a player who has consistently been a major problem for United.
This match marked a third consecutive clean sheet for Slot’s Liverpool team. It has been a prodigious start for Slot, being the first Liverpool manager to win his first league game against United since Bob Paisley in 1975. This match has delivered a clear message that Liverpool are serious contenders for the title.
As the final whistle blew, half of Old Trafford had vacated, leaving only a shellshocked audience. As expected, footage showed Jim Ratcliffe, United’s minority owner, appearing troubled in the stands. This defeat has raised several concerns for everyone associated with United.
The atmosphere was vibrant and intense from the get-go, as United’s fans set the stage ablaze, a request made by Ten Hag. Soon, however, the Liverpool fans who had journeyed over began making their presence felt, and clearly, they were having a good time.
Tensions sparked early as the away band was thrilled when Trent Alexander-Arnold netted a close-range shot, only to be grounded again courtesy of a VAR decision. Salah had been positioned offside when he brushed Diaz’s backward pass. Ryan Gravenberch’s high-speed surge initiated the action. United’s defence, where Matthijs de Ligt officially started, was shredded. It was an ominous omen.
Liverpool burst onto the scene with force, pressing hard and intercepting to win the ball. They controlled the midfield, leaving United gaping and running after the game. Casemiro’s sluggishness with or without possession, raised concerns from the onset. Unfortunately, the first half developed into a nightmare for United’s defensive midfielder.
Liverpool’s initial success brutally exposed Casemiro, but also showcased their rapid transitions from defence to offence. A bad pass from Casemiro intended for Kobbie Mainoo found its way to Gravenberch instead and Liverpool smelled blood. Gravenberch passed to Salah on the right with several players waiting on the other end – sound familiar? Dominik Szoboszlai couldn’t connect with Salah’s cross, but Diaz could.
An 11th-minute reckless tackle on Alexis Mac Allister should have seen Casemiro booked; it was the only respite he received. Numerous meltdowns marred his performance, including losing the ball and his footing near the side line, along with a slew of inaccurate passes and forceful touches.
Ten Hag chose to warm up Toby Collyer prior to the first half’s completion, when Casemiro had made costly errors, leading to a 2-0 lead. Liverpool was fully aware that by targeting Casemiro, they could capitalise and forge ahead, which they did when Díaz confronted a hesitant Casemiro. Despite Casemiro’s demand for a penalty, none was given. Liverpool’s effectiveness was undeniable, with Mac Allister passing to Salah, who deftly transferred the ball to Díaz. Díaz had spotted an opening and his shot was on target and deadly.
There was potential for Liverpool to extend their lead before half-time, but Szoboszlai failed to take advantage of an Andy Robertson cross and De Ligt successfully tackled Diogo Jota. United, on the other hand, offered little resistance save for a Noussair Mazraoui shot that was deflected by Alisson.
Collyer took Casemiro’s place at the second half’s start, marking his first professional game beyond his substitute stint in the Community Shield. The new midfield recruit for United, Manuel Ugarte – who had received a roaring welcome prior to the match – had not been registered yet.
Liverpool was determined to increase their advantage; it was hard to imagine they wouldn’t. United was unnervingly submissive. The feared void between their midfield and defence had reappeared and Liverpool exploited it further each time.
Liverpool’s third goal resulted from Mac Allister dispossessing Mainoo, and once again, United’s defence was nowhere to be seen. Salah was given the chance to score by Szoboszlai and Liverpool nearly added two more immediately. Lisandro Martínez lost control of the ball and was fortunate that Salah’s attempt went over after some slick footwork. Furthermore, a bending shot from the Liverpool forward narrowly missed the goal post.
United faced the threat of a crushing defeat, and the atmosphere at Old Trafford was tense, with the crowd jeering Ten Hag’s decision to replace Alejandro Garnacho with Amad Diallo. The supporters seemed to prefer if he had pulled out the lacklustre Marcus Rashford instead. But honestly, any of Ten Hag’s players could have been replaced.
United certainly had opportunities in the latter half of the game, with Joshua Zirkzee – a novice player in his first full game – narrowly missing the goal on three separate occasions. Yet, these instances weren’t particularly notable. The failed attempt by Szoboszlai in the 79th minute proved to be more insightful. It’s unsurprising as the match appeared overly simple for his side. – Guardian.