Arne Slot made a strong statement in his first major test as Liverpool manager, leading his team to a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, with Luis Diaz scoring twice and Mohamed Salah adding another.
Slot, who took on the challenging task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp, has had a flawless start, securing three wins out of three in the Premier League. This perfect record puts Liverpool level with Manchester City at the top of the table.
In contrast, United’s second consecutive defeat has already placed manager Erik ten Hag under scrutiny, just three games into the new season. The Dutchman managed to keep his job after last season’s internal review, which followed United’s worst-ever Premier League finish in eighth place. A surprising FA Cup final victory over Manchester City offered a lifeline and hope for a fresh beginning, especially after a £200 million ($262 million) investment in new signings.
However, United’s familiar weaknesses from last season were ruthlessly exposed by a dominant Liverpool side. Casemiro, in particular, struggled, being at fault for both of Diaz’s goals and was substituted at halftime for youngster Toby Collyer.
United had showcased their new £42 million signing, Manuel Ugarte, before the match, hoping the Uruguayan midfielder could stabilize their midfield. Liverpool, on the other hand, chose not to enter the market for a defensive midfielder. Instead, Slot’s decision to move Ryan Gravenberch into that role has proven to be an inspired choice.
Despite Klopp’s success with Liverpool, he managed to win only two of his 11 away games against United. Last season, Liverpool failed to capitalize on their dominance at Old Trafford, losing a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final 4-3 and drawing 2-2 in the league, which ended their title hopes.
This time, Liverpool was clinical and could have matched their record 5-0 win at Old Trafford from 2021. United had an early let-off when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot from Diaz’s deflected cross was ruled out for offside due to Salah’s positioning.
Casemiro, who had shown glimpses of his old form earlier in the season, struggled mightily. A misplaced pass by the Brazilian was intercepted by Gravenberch, who set up Salah for a cross that Diaz headed in at the back post.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, made a crucial save to deny Noussair Mazraoui shortly after. However, United collapsed after conceding a second goal just before halftime. Diaz capitalized on another Casemiro error, sprinting into the box to convert Salah’s cross.
Salah added to United’s misery with a spectacular finish from Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass, marking his 15th goal in 16 appearances against United, including scoring in his last seven visits to Old Trafford. He missed an opportunity to score another, firing over from close range when his teammates were expecting a pass.
Alisson then made a brilliant save to deny Joshua Zirkzee, preserving Liverpool’s perfect defensive record under Slot.
While Arsenal has been touted as the team most likely to dethrone Manchester City after their four consecutive titles, Liverpool’s early-season form suggests they are very much in the title race, even without Klopp at the helm.