Liverpool thrashed Manchester United 3-0 in a Premier League match at Old Trafford last Sunday, September 1, to keep their perfect record intact in the current season. Meanwhile, United suffered their second defeat in three matches to mark a pretty ordinary start to the season.
Luis Diaz scored a brace, and Mo Salah scored the other goal to guide the Reds to a win. As Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot had a good start against a big team. On the other hand, Erik ten Hag remained precarious as the Red Devils’ Boss. Unless the team’s performance improves drastically, ten Hag will find it challenging to keep his job.
Liverpool’s high press was too good for Manchester United
Liverpool started the match with a 4-2-3-1 formation, and the four players in their attacking unit pressed high to keep the Manchester United defenders under pressure. Ryan Gravenberch also joined the press through the right side most of the time, making life difficult for United.
Casemiro gave the ball up twice, first through a faulty pass and then by allowing Diaz to take the ball from him to pave the way for Liverpool’s first two goals in the first half. The match’s fate was sealed in the first half, but the brilliant Salah made it 3-0 after the break with a fine finish. The 32-year-old Egyptian had two assists and a goal to show for on the day. He has now made it a habit to score against Manchester United, which was once Liverpool’s arch-rivals.
Liverpool took their feet off the pedal after the third goal. Marcus Rashford preferred over Alejandro Garnacho to start on the left flank as the latter started on the right, then tried to assert his presence by playing a few crosses. One of those crosses should have been good enough for Joshua Zirkzee to score a goal, but Alisson Becker saved the latter’s header.
However, the home team’s overall performance was inept, with the quality of their passing seriously lacking inside the opposition half. Liverpool’s passing was far more accurate and intelligent, and the gulf in quality between the two teams was evident. A well-coached and well-drilled team does not play the way United did on the day. The Red Devils’ season has not begun well, and they are in danger of another disappointing season.
