Manchester United and Erik ten Had got their first win of the season under their belt and in style. They beat their fiercest rivals, Liverpool, at Old Trafford (2-1). With goals from Sancho and Rashford on either side of the break and a consolation goal from Salah for Liverpool.
There were quite some notable moments in the game; here are five things that we learned from the game.
Erik ten Hag made some bold changes.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw were some of the names that Erik ten Hag decided to drop out of the starting XI against Liverpool. His gamble (or game plan) paid off, but he did raise some eyebrows with his team selection. Instead, Manchester United started with Elanga, Sancho and Rashford in the front and a centre-back partnership of Varane and Martinez with Malacia on the left flank. The pecking order is being decided, and it is clear that everyone would have to work hard and prove their place in the squad.
Martinez is here to stay for Manchester United.
Lisandro Martinez a.k.a ‘The Butcher’, was a beast at the heart of United’s defence alongside Varane. He played like he had a point to prove, and he did. Winning all of his aerial duels (too short, eh?), dictating and dominating the Liverpool attackers, he led the backline exceptionally well. Varane, too had a great game partnering Martinez and Manchester United might have just found their ideal defensive pairing.
Malacia – Does Manchester United have a new starter?
Remember Salah, the world-class player? Malacia kept him in check all evening and delivered an absolutely sublime performance against Liverpool while playing on the left flank. He not just kept one of the best players in the world quiet but joined Manchester United’s attack when he got the chance. He showed that he is a genuine contender to become United’s first-choice left-back and would be a stiff competition to Luke Shaw.
Manchester United’s Number 9 is back!
After a troubled couple of seasons, Martial also went out on loan, but he is back now with fire in his belly. After a decent pre-season, Martial had to miss the opening matches due to injury. Against Liverpool, he replaced Elanga and came on at half-time. He still managed to complete four dribbles against Liverpool, which was more than any other player on the pitch. Martial assisted Rashford for Manchester United’s second goal and had a great second half. This could be his season of reckoning. And in Erik ten Hag’s pecking order, he certainly seems to be on top.
Casemiro’s unveiling and #GlazersOut!
A good DM is one of the missing pieces that Manchester United has been trying to find for a few years. Casemiro might just be the answer they have been looking for. Casemiro is a world-class player who has won a lot of accolades and trophies in his career. At 30, he still has a few good years left in him, and he could really help United solve this crisis.
This match was in the shadow of the protests against Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family. Thousands of fans gathered outside Old Trafford to make the point – If United has to regain its glory days, the Glazers have to go. Green and Gold! GGMU!
