Liverpool Dismantle Manchester United at Old Trafford: Salah and Diaz Shine in Dominant 3-0 Win
In a highly anticipated Premier League clash, Liverpool delivered a masterclass performance, dismantling Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Mohamed Salah once again tormented the Red Devils, extending his remarkable scoring record at the Theatre of Dreams. This victory not only underscores Liverpool’s title ambitions but also raises serious questions about Manchester United’s early-season form.
Salah’s Old Trafford Dominance Continues
Liverpool’s victory was marked by the brilliance of Mohamed Salah, who now has a staggering seven consecutive scoring appearances at Old Trafford. The Egyptian forward was at the heart of Liverpool’s attacking prowess, setting up two goals for Luis Diaz in the first half before adding one of his own just before the hour mark. This goal all but sealed the fate of Manchester United, capping off a dream afternoon for the Merseyside club.
As Salah and his teammates celebrated in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters, the pressure on Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, intensified. With two consecutive losses, United now languish in 14th place in the Premier League, far below their expected standards.
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Tactical Shifts and Missed Opportunities
Erik ten Hag made significant changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Alejandro Garnacho. Meanwhile, Liverpool maintained an unchanged side, keen to build on their solid start to the season with victories over Ipswich and Brentford. Despite the fresh faces, Manchester United struggled to find cohesion on the pitch.
The match’s early moments seemed to favour Liverpool, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s strike initially thought to have crossed the line. However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal offside and temporarily sparing United’s blushes. The first half remained a tight affair, with both sides struggling to take control of the game until Liverpool’s breakthrough ten minutes before half-time.
Liverpool’s Ruthless Exploitation of United’s Mistakes
The turning point came courtesy of a dreadful pass from Casemiro, which Liverpool seized upon with clinical precision. Salah, ever the creative force, delivered a perfect cross to the back post, where Diaz was on hand to nod the ball past Andre Onana. This goal not only broke the deadlock but also exposed the fragility of United’s defence.
Casemiro’s nightmare continued as he lost possession once more, leading to Liverpool’s second goal. Salah once again played the architect, threading a brilliant pass to Diaz, who made no mistake with his first-time finish. By the time the halftime whistle blew, Liverpool were firmly in control, and Manchester United were left reeling.
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Liverpool’s Commanding Second Half
The second half offered little respite for Manchester United, despite Ten Hag’s decision to replace the beleaguered Casemiro with Toby Collyer. Liverpool continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded when Kobbie Mainoo lost possession under pressure from Alexis Mac Allister. Szoboszlai, quick to react, played Salah through on goal, and the Egyptian forward finished with aplomb, much to the delight of the Liverpool faithful.
Salah could have added a fourth goal moments later after a careless pass from Lisandro Martinez, but this time, his shot sailed over the crossbar. Manchester United did have a few chances to claw back some dignity, with Zirkzee coming close on two occasions, but neither attempt found the back of the net.
The final whistle blew with Liverpool comfortably securing all three points, their third consecutive win of the season. For Manchester United, the result was a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead if they are to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
A Painful Afternoon for United
As the stands at Old Trafford gradually emptied, the mood was one of despondency among the home supporters. Szoboszlai’s attempt to walk the ball into the net late in the game might have been a sign of Liverpool’s growing complacency, but it did little to alter the narrative of a one-sided encounter. For Erik ten Hag and his team, this result was a painful reality check, while for Liverpool, it was a statement win that sends them into the international break brimming with confidence.
