Manchester United (0) vs. Liverpool (3)
35′, 42′ Luis Diaz
56′ Mohamed Salah
The Rivalry Continues: A High-Stakes Encounter
Liverpool vs. Manchester United is more than just a regular Premier League fixture; it’s one of the most intense rivalries in football. Liverpool, coming off two consecutive league wins without conceding a goal, looked confident. In contrast, Manchester United had a mixed start, winning one and losing one of their last two games, showing some signs of inconsistency. Liverpool fielded an unchanged line-up, while Manchester made some adjustments, including full debuts for Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee. On paper, the match looked closely contested, with both sides fielding strong teams. With Ten Hag having been at Manchester for two years and the advantage of playing at home, they seemed to have the edge.
First Half: Liverpool Takes Control and Casemiro’s Nightmare
Manchester United began the match with high energy, and their sharp passing suggested they were taking control early on. However, as the game progressed, Liverpool gradually took over. Liverpool thought they had an early lead through Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the goal was ruled out for offside. This was just the beginning of their dominance. Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Liverpool with a back-post finish, capitalizing on a quick counter-attack initiated after Casemiro’s pass was intercepted by Gravenberch in Manchester United’s half. United sought a quick equalizer through Noussair Mazraoui, but Alisson made a crucial save. The second goal for Liverpool came when Luis Diaz pressured Casemiro into a mistake, leading to a fast break where Mohamed Salah set up Diaz to score. Casemiro’s two costly errors led to his substitution at half-time.
Second Half: Liverpool Seals the Win
The second half began, and Liverpool wasted no time, securing their third goal. Once again, a Manchester United mistake proved costly as Kobbie Mainoo lost possession in his half. Szoboszlai seized the opportunity, passing to Salah, who scored at Old Trafford. Liverpool dominated the rest of the match and could have added a couple more goals. Manchester United had a few chances of their own but couldn’t convert them.
United’s Struggles: A Need for Reflection
Manchester United’s mistakes ultimately cost them three points, largely due to Liverpool’s relentless pressure. Erik ten Hag will need to reflect on this performance and find solutions. Despite his two-year tenure, United still appear weak in several positions, even after significant financial investment. The team seems far from challenging for a Premier League title. Their attack lacks consistency, the midfield is vulnerable, and the defense is unreliable. A change in management might be needed to unify the players, or a complete squad overhaul could be necessary. It’s been tough for Manchester United fans to watch their team struggle like this; they haven’t contended for the title in a decade. Despite changing managers and spending heavily on players, success remains elusive. Perhaps United should focus on developing young talent and avoid investing in players past their prime, such as Alexis Sanchez, Di Maria, and Casemiro. However, Erik ten Hag does not seem like the manager who can lead this transformation.
Liverpool’s Momentum: A Team in Sync
Liverpool continued their impressive form from the previous two matches. The players are in sync, working hard both on and off the ball. Their forwards are finding the net, the midfield is dynamic, and the defense is solid. The team has a refreshing energy about them. While their style hasn’t drastically changed from last year, they seem to have better control of the ball. Clearly, Arne Slot has instilled more composure and stability in the squad. Last season, Liverpool’s defense was a weak spot, often conceding goals. But under Slot’s guidance, they’ve tightened up at the back and are currently the only team in the league yet to concede a goal. The fullbacks are more disciplined, and the midfield pivot of Mac Allister and Gravenberch provides additional defensive solidity. Liverpool’s forwards are capable of scoring against any defense, and Szoboszlai’s free role as an attacking midfielder adds another dimension to their attack. So far, they’ve looked strong and are set to compete for the title again this year, something that seemed unlikely just a month ago. Arne Slot’s behind-the-scenes work is clearly paying off. While Liverpool has quality players in all positions, Slot has focused on addressing their weaknesses and revitalizing the team. It will be exciting to see what Liverpool can achieve this season.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
With the international break coming up, players will be on national team duty. When the Premier League resumes, Manchester United will face Southampton, while Liverpool will host Nottingham Forest.