Manchester United picked up their first win of the season in style, beating arch-rivals Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford. Jadon Sancho got the first goal of the night and Marcus Rashford got in on the action in the second half. Mohammed Salah got a late consolation goal, but the Reds held on to claim all three points.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Summary
Erik ten Hag made four changes to the team, which lost to Brentford. The most notable absentees were captain Harry Maguire and star player Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the changes made a massive difference as the Red Devils put on a show at the Theatre of Dreams.
United began the game with intensity and aggression-something which has been absent in recent weeks. The front three consisting of Sancho, Rashford and Elanga stretched the visitors backline and were a threat all evening. Liverpool simply could not cope with the pressing and consequently couldn’t keep possession.
The backline were superb throughout the match with both fullbacks catching the eye. Diogo Dalot dealt with the electric Luis Diaz and Tyrell Malacia kept Salah quiet all game. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were a formidable duo, winning almost every duel.
The midfield were physical and comfortable in possession, constantly sending the forwards away with some great over-the-top passes. Within the first ten minutes McTominay found Fernandes with a brilliant pass. Fernandes then slid the ball through to Elanga, who saw his effort crash back off the post.
However, the Red Devils were 1-0 up just minutes later. Following a quick exchange between Elanga and Eriksen, the ball found its way into the path of Sancho. The Englishman kept his composure by delaying his shot, taking Milner and Allison out of the equation. Sancho put his side 1-0 up, firing into the empty net.
Old Trafford erupted and the hosts were ahead. Ten Hag’s men didn’t stop there and almost doubled their advantage. Eriksen’s free kick was destined for the top corner, however Allison managed to divert it over with a fingertip save. The Reds maintained the pressure and it was wave after wave of United attacks.
Second Half
Ten Hag would have made it clear to the players at halftime that they needed that second goal, as Klopp’s men only need one chance to get back on level terms. The visitors almost got an equaliser on the stroke of halftime when Fernandes’ clearance was cleared off the line by Martinez. Instead of making a defensive change at the break, ten Hag brought on Martial.
The Frenchman made an instant impact, assisting Rashford for the second goal. Martial, 26, sent Rashford one on one with Allison and the England international made no mistakes. Rashford was unfortunate to not get a second after firing over from just outside the box. The dynamic forward was back to his best in this fierce encounter, causing Trent Alexander-Arnold all sorts of problems.
However, the Merseyside club did grow into the contest as the game went on. David de Gea was called into action on three occasions, but the Spaniard came out on top. Liverpool did get a goal in the late stages of the match courtesy of Salah header. But, the Red Devils held on to secure this significant victory.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Player Ratings
David de Gea 7/10
Made three saves at an important stage in the second half. Was unfortunate to concede after making a save from Carvalho’s initial effort.
Diogo Dalot 8/10
A magnificent performance from the fullback. Was aggressive and physical in his duel with Diaz and kept the Colombian quiet. Positive and proactive in possession.
Raphael Varane 9/10
Showed great leadership and organisation throughout the match. His performance in this match further intensified confusion in regards to his absence from the team in recent weeks. A brilliant display.
Lisandro Martinez 9/10
Set the tone from the off, clattering into the back of Salah. Defended brilliantly throughout and even cleared the ball off the line. A man of the match display from the Argentine.
Tyrell Malacia 8/10
Thrown into the deep end on his full debut and flourished. Defended with pride and kept Salah quiet, which isn’t an easy task. Encouraging signs from United’s new left back.
Scott McTominay 7/10
A massive improvement on his performances in recent weeks. Won possession for his side and frequently chose the forward pass.
Christian Eriksen 7/10
A silky performance from the veteran. Composed on the ball and showcased his impressive passing range in the first half. Reliable in possession and looks more confident every week.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
A much better performance from the Portuguese magnifico. Led the team well and was more effective in possession. Looked more comfortable with a fluid frontline in front of him.
Jadon Sancho 7/10
Much more involved in the game. Comfortable on the ball and his movement off the ball was much more dynamic. Took his goal brilliantly and kept his composure with Liverpool defenders all around him.
Marcus Rashford 7/10
Like Sancho a much better performance. Looked more physical and appeared to have his confidence back. Tried to take players on rather than take the safer option like he has done in recent weeks. Was much more comfortable on the left and made no mistakes when sent through one on one with Allison. Got the better of Alexander-Arnold all night.
Anthony Elanga 7/10
An energetic and promising performance from the youngster. Showed great energy but should have found the back of the net, when Fernandes picked him out. Made up for his mistake, when he set up Sancho for the opener. Withdrawn at the interval.
Subs
Anthony Martial 8/10
A very good cameo from the Frenchman. Held the ball up well and got an assist within minutes of coming on. In line for a start at the weekend.
Fred 7/10
Got stuck in and made the side more defensively secure.
Cristiano Ronaldo N/A
Insufficient time to make an impact.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka N/A
Came on in the dying stages.
Donny van de Beek N/A
Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Manager: Erik ten Hag 10/10
Many were surprised by the starting eleven with numerous huge calls made. The side responded amazingly to the managers methods and instructions following their disappointing start to the season. United played much more like a ten Hag side and with the addition of Casemiro, the United revolution looks set to continue. The Dutch coach got a massive result against United’s biggest rivals at a vital point in the season. His massive decisions were instrumental in this victory.
