Manchester United endured a devastating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Old Trafford, marking their second loss in the new Premier League season. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for Erik ten Hag and his squad, as they were comprehensively outclassed by a well-drilled Liverpool side under the guidance of Arne Slot.
From the outset, it was clear that Liverpool were the dominant force, with Luis Diaz quickly establishing their superiority by netting two goals in the first half. Both of these goals were expertly assisted by Mohamed Salah, who was in scintillating form throughout the match. Diaz’s clinical finishing left Manchester United’s defense in disarray, setting the tone for what would be a long and difficult evening for the home side.
As the match progressed, Salah continued to torment United’s backline, eventually scoring a third goal early in the second half, putting the result beyond any doubt. Salah’s goal was a testament to his relentless pressure and sharp instincts, further highlighting the gulf in class between the two teams on the day.
Despite playing at home, Manchester United struggled to make any meaningful impact on the game. Their defense was notably porous, allowing Liverpool too much space and time on the ball, while their attack was largely ineffective, managing just one shot on target during the entire first half. The lack of cohesion and cutting edge in United’s play was evident, leaving their fans frustrated and concerned.
In an attempt to stem the tide, Erik ten Hag made several substitutions, including the notable decision to replace Casemiro at halftime. The Brazilian midfielder had a particularly rough outing, being directly involved in the mistakes that led to Liverpool’s first two goals. However, even with the changes, United failed to pose any real threat to Liverpool’s control of the match.
With this victory, Liverpool have now secured three wins from their opening three matches of the season, reinforcing their status as early title contenders. In contrast, Manchester United are left to reflect on another disappointing result, as they continue to grapple with a challenging start to the campaign. The pressure is undoubtedly mounting on Ten Hag to turn things around quickly, as the team struggles to find its rhythm and form in the early stages of the season.
