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Salah Stars as Liverpool Overwhelms United
Liverpool delivered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, further deepening the Red Devils’ early-season woes. Mohamed Salah was instrumental in the victory, scoring once and assisting both of Luis Diaz’s goals in what became a one-sided affair after a shaky start for the Reds.
First Half Dominance
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, overcame a slow beginning where they conceded 67% possession in the opening 20 minutes. Once they settled, the visitors took full control. Salah orchestrated the first goal in the 35th minute with a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Luis Diaz rose to head it home. Just seven minutes later, Diaz doubled the lead, capitalizing on a costly mistake by United’s Casemiro. The Brazilian, who struggled throughout the first half, lost possession under pressure, allowing Salah to set up Diaz for a low finish past Andre Onana.
United’s Midfield Misery
Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United never recovered from the early blows. Casemiro, who was at fault for both of Diaz’s goals, was substituted at halftime, with Ten Hag introducing 20-year-old Toby Collyer to partner 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield. The youthful pair struggled against Liverpool’s experienced and dynamic midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch, who dominated the center of the park.
Ten Hag’s tactical decisions were further questioned as United’s attack failed to threaten Liverpool’s defense. Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho had off days, while Bruno Fernandes, who was expected to be United’s creative spark, found himself stifled and unable to make an impact.
Salah Seals It
Liverpool’s third goal came in the 56th minute, courtesy of Salah himself. Mainoo was caught in possession by Mac Allister, who quickly fed Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder then released Salah on the right, who finished clinically to make it 3-0, sealing the game and further compounding United’s misery.
Post-Match Reactions and Concerns
After the match, Salah dropped a bombshell, revealing it was his last year at Liverpool and that no contract discussions had taken place. This revelation cast a shadow over an otherwise perfect day for the Reds, who are now 3-0-0 in the Premier League under Slot, with seven goals scored and none conceded.
Ten Hag, on the other hand, is left to ponder what could have been. He defended Casemiro after the match, insisting that the veteran midfielder would still play a crucial role in United’s season. However, with only one win in three matches and losses to top-four rivals Brighton and Liverpool, the pressure is mounting on the Dutchman as his team heads into the international break.
What’s Next?
Liverpool will aim to continue their perfect start when they host Nottingham Forest after the international break, followed by a League Cup clash against West Ham. Manchester United, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in a tricky away fixture against Southampton, before returning to Old Trafford to face Barnsley in the League Cup third round.
With both teams at pivotal points in their seasons, the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping their fortunes.