One side sees Manchester United’s new management splashing cash, allowing the coach to buy whoever he wants. On the other, Liverpool emphasizes value for money, seemingly content that their best players are already in the squad. Based on this summer’s transfer market moves, how would you predict the outcome of this season's first clash between the two English giants? Some might have expected United to exact revenge at Old Trafford, but as it turns out, spending big doesn't guarantee success. In this weekend’s match at the Theatre of Dreams, nothing changed as Liverpool comfortably dispatched United 3-0, continuing their dominance in this fierce rivalry.
The Shift in Power
During Sir Alex Ferguson's era, Manchester United consistently dominated Liverpool in the Premier League. However, since the legendary manager's retirement, the tables have turned. In recent seasons, Liverpool has been a regular contender for the Premier League title, while United has struggled even to secure a top-four finish. Three years ago, Liverpool inflicted a 5-0 humiliation on United at Old Trafford, and just 18 months ago, they produced a stunning 7-0 win at Anfield, shocking the football world.
High Hopes, Harsh Reality
Despite the arrival of strong reinforcements like Zirkzee and De Ligt, many United fans believed that Erik ten Hag would finally get one over on Liverpool. However, reality was cruel. Last night at Old Trafford, even with new signings like Chiesa watching from the stands, United found themselves on the back foot from the start. In the 6th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s close-range strike crossed the line, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Mohamed Salah. United were lucky to escape early on, but it didn’t take long for Liverpool to break through.
In the 32nd minute, Casemiro’s errant pass allowed Salah to assist Luis Díaz, who headed the ball home to open the scoring. United, now trailing, became increasingly frantic, creating some chances but repeatedly faltering in midfield and defense. Casemiro, in particular, struggled under Liverpool’s relentless pressing, far from the dominant figure he once was. In the 42nd minute, he lost the ball again in midfield, leading to another Salah assist and an easy finish for Díaz.
No Comeback in Sight
Down 0-2 at halftime, Ten Hag was forced to act, replacing the disastrous Casemiro with youngster Collier. However, United’s woes only deepened. In the 56th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai set up Salah, who curled a shot past the keeper for his 10th goal at Old Trafford, effectively putting the game to bed. With Sir Alex Ferguson watching from the stands, the match seemed to enter “garbage time.”
Despite Ten Hag’s attempts to change things, United could not find a way past Alisson in the Liverpool goal. Late in the match, Gakpo was brought down near the penalty area, but both the referee and VAR remained silent, sparing United from further embarrassment. The scoreline remained 0-3, enough to leave Ten Hag and United red-faced, as they suffered yet another defeat to their bitter rivals.
Liverpool’s Dominance
For Liverpool, this was a night to remember. Slot, Klopp’s successor, has seamlessly carried on the German’s legacy, guiding the team to three straight Premier League wins with seven goals scored and none conceded. This 3-0 victory marks Liverpool’s 8th Premier League win at Old Trafford, second only to Manchester City’s nine victories at the iconic stadium.
United’s Continued Struggles
For United, the embarrassing statistics and jokes keep piling up. After just three rounds of the Premier League, Ten Hag’s side has already lost twice, with a goal difference of -3. It’s the third time in the past five seasons that United has lost two of their opening three games, making Ten Hag the first coach in club history to suffer this fate twice. He’s also the first United manager to lose three home games by at least three goals in a single year.
Ten Hag’s Post-Match Confidence
However, Ten Hag remained confident in the post-match press conference, saying, “Liverpool played well, and we must humbly accept this. There are many games left to play, and I know where we’ll be at the end of the season. We’ll be competing for the title; that hasn’t changed. In the past two seasons, we’ve won two trophies, and by season’s end, we’ll see where we stand.”
Ten Hag also added, “We made mistakes—individual errors—and perhaps you can question our midfield for the last goal. Liverpool were very good, but our expected goals (xG) was 1.73, so we weren’t that far off. This is just the third game of the season, and I’m confident we have a great chance to lift another trophy by season’s end.”
A Sobering Reality
Manchester United continues to lose, and Ten Hag remains ever-confident. But with Liverpool’s superior tactics and teamwork on full display, when will United finally recognize their issues and truly start their journey back to the top?
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