Man United v Liverpool: reasons to be cheerful or fearful
Liverpool fans celebrate in the stands following the opening goal of the game. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.
Now there’s a challenge! This was not a day United will not want to remember - and the positives were few and far between for Erik ten Hag’s side. But there may be hope sitting in the stands.
United’s biggest problems were in central midfield, where Casemiro was woeful, but they already have a solution in the house. Manuel Ugarte, signed from PSG for up to 60 Euros on deadline day was presented to the crowd and must surely be quickly integrated into the team. His tacking power and leadership in a defensive midfield role is badly needed. He certainly won’t be pushed off the ball like Casemiro was for Liverpool’s second at Old Trafford.
He made the most tackles last season in France’s Ligue Un - 98 - despite starting only 21 games. Expect him to start United’s next game, at Southampton, after the international break.
United can also be happy about the performance of young Tom Collyer, aged just 20, who was given an incredible chance when handed his debut - and didn’t look out of place in a youthful midfield partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.
Let’s be honest, however, there wasn’t much else to cheer.
This performance leaves everything about United’s strategy - from keeping Ten Hag in post to the Glazers refusing to leave - under debate.
At 3-0, United fans unfurled a banner which read: “12 months - the clock is ticking. Glazers Out"
Not a comfortable sight for the American co-owners or for Jim Ratcliffe sitting in the stands either.
On the pitch we have to start with United’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, whose miserable form continued with a nightmare first half display that cost United dearly - and saw him subbed at half time.
He was at fault for both of Liverpool’s opening goals from Luis Diaz, misplacing a pass in the build-up to the first, gifting the ball to Ryan Gravenberch, and being too easily nudged off the ball by Diaz for the second What has happened to the commanding, characterful midfielder which made such a big impact when he first arrived from Real Madrid?
If you didn’t know he was only 32 you’d think it was down to old age; but perhaps he’s just been worn out by United’s ongoing malaise that has left so many fans frustrated.
New signing Matthijs de Ligt didn’t do much better, either, despite a positive start to the game. He was hauled off later to bring on Harry Maguire. Back to square one, you might say.
United fans, who booed their team and manager, once again had a terrible case of deja-vu.
Now, this is a much longer list for Arne Slot to enjoy, starting with the form of winger Luis Diaz who has now scored three goals already this season, including a fine double at Old Trafford.
It feels like the Colombian, now 27, is achieving his true potential after two-and-half years on Merseyside.
Meanwhile his teammate Mo Salah, who has always been an outstanding goal scorer, reminded everyone of his ability to create for others, too.
He provided an assist for both of Liverpool’s opening goals - that’s 72 in the Premier League so far for Liverpool. Then he completed the rout himself. Liverpool’s attack looks like a match for anyone.
Ryan Gravenberch was also outstanding in midfield - and Liverpool were a class above their opponents in every area of the field.
Perhaps what is most impressive is they look like a team totally comfortable in the style and shape - despite having played a handful of times under new manager Slot. No wonder the away fans sung his name.
What is there to be fearful about after winning 3-0 at Old Trafford?
Nothing other than the fear that Manchester City and Erling Haaland have started even better.
Perhaps, if being picky, Liverpool would like more end product from striker Diogo Jota, subbed for Nunez with 15 minutes to go.
But the only other worry was the sight of Trent Alexander-Arnold being replaced for the third game in a row.
Remember his grumpy reaction last time against Brentford? This time he was more understanding - but you wonder what it means for a player who has been so pivotal for Liverpool for so long to find himself subbed so often.
It won’t, however, be the focus of many on the Kop after witnessing an outstanding performance that underlined their team’s title credentials.
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