Liverpool FC remain fully on track. LFC also took the first real test under Arne Slot with ease in a 3-0 win in Manchester. Mohamed Salah once again proved to be the Red Devils’ terror with three goals
Two former Bayern players were recalled to the starting eleven by United coach Erik ten Hag: Both de Ligt and Zirkzee made their starting eleven debuts after their summer switch to Manchester. While the attacker received few balls, the central defender had a lot to do in the opening minutes – and a bit of luck: a goal from Alexander-Arnold was conceded by VAR because Salah was still slightly on the ball when Luis Diaz hit the post beforehand – and was offside (6th minute).
The two rivals were unable to maintain the pace of the opening period. The home side concentrated on defending and didn’t actually concede much – before cutting their own path in the person of Casemiro. The Brazilian full-back played a fatal misplaced pass in the build-up, which Gravenberch intercepted and eventually passed to Salah. After his sensitive cross, both Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz were completely unmarked and the Colombian nodded home to take the lead (35′).
Mistake Casemiro, assist Salah, goal Luis Diaz: This pattern was repeated just seven minutes later. This time, the goalscorer won the ball himself against the hesitant Casemiro and finished off Salah’s instep pass with a precise direct shot into the right corner to level the scores at half-time (42′). That was just what the efficient Reds needed, as United remained completely harmless apart from a Mazraoui shot (39′).
Third scoring point: Salah remains a United spectre
Casemiro suffered the maximum penalty, the six-man had to stay in the dressing room at the break and was replaced by 20-year-old Premier League debutant Collyer. The homegrown striker was directly involved in Zirkzee’s best United chance (52′), but also had to witness another slip-up by a teammate: This time, Mainoo lost the ball badly, which Liverpool punished mercilessly once again, this time allowing the double assist man Salah to make it 3-0 with a perfect direct shot from Szoboszlai (56′).
It was the LFC attacker’s 15th goal in his last twelve competitive matches against Man United. The Red Devils’ bogeyman could even have added to his tally twice after his goal, but missed good opportunities against a United defense that was now swimming (57′, 58′). Manchester were now at least a little better offensively, but Zirkzee missed two more chances from close range (63rd, 78th) to concede Liverpool’s first goal of the season. As a result, Arne Slot’s team still have a clean sheet after three games this season
The Red Devils’ next game after the international break is away to promoted Southampton FC (September 14, 1.30pm), while Liverpool host Nottingham Forest two-and-a-half hours later (4pm).