6 talking points as Liverpool thump Man Utd after Casemiro horror show (original) (raw)
MAN UTD 0-3 LIVERPOOL: The Reds have kept up their 100% start under new boss Arne Slot as they tore apart their fierce rivals once again with a stunning performance at Old Trafford
Luis Diaz celebrates against Manchester United
Arne Slot enjoyed a perfect Old Trafford debut as Liverpool cruised to a dominant victory against Manchester United.
Trent Alexander-Arnold looked to have set the Reds on the way to victory early on but his strike was ruled out by VAR. Liverpool eventually claimed the lead heading into half-time as Casemiro 's error was punished by Luis Diaz 's header.
The Colombian doubled his tally on a superb afternoon's work with a sizzling finish into the bottom corner after robbing Casemiro once again. Mohamed Salah extended the Reds' advantage after another error from the home side.
Here are all the talking points on a dominant day for Liverpool.
Opener rightly ruled out
Liverpool thought they had enjoyed a dream start at Old Trafford - but VAR rightly intervened. A barnstorming run from Ryan Gravenberch saw him tee up Luis Diaz.
The Colombian crossed towards Salah, who touched the ball into the path of Alexander-Arnold. It was a simple task for the defender who lashed home.
But VAR cut his celebrations short after concluding that Salah was offside as he received the ball in the centre of the penalty area. Replays showed that decision was spot on, leaving Liverpool to stew on what could have been.
Luis Diaz celebrates his first goal vs Man United (
Image:
Getty Images)
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Casemiro error gifts Liverpool lead
Liverpool needn't have worried as Casemiro handed the Reds another glorious opportunity for an opening goal. The Brazilian's sloppy pass was picked off by Gravenberch in the heart of midfield.
He drove forwards once more and set Salah free down the right-hand side. With acres to cross, he played the ball to the back post where both Diaz and Szoboszlai were waiting ready to head home.
The wideman did just that as he beat his own teammate in the air to once again open the scoring at Old Trafford. And while Liverpool celebrated, Casemiro was left with his head and shoulders slumped at his costly error.
De va ju for Casemiro
Another Casemiro error - and another Diaz goal - saw Liverpool double their lead at Old Trafford. As the Brazilian midfielder attempted to stride out of midfield with the ball, Diaz nipped in and stole possession.
Casemiro appealed for a foul but the referee was uninterested. The ball worked its way down the right to Salah once more, who picked out Diaz. His finish was unerring as he fired into the bottom corner at the first time of asking.
Casemiro continued to struggle, with a pass out of play triggering ridicule from the Liverpool fans. And he was replaced by youngster Toby Collyer at half-time. With Manuel Ugarte now at Old Trafford, questions have to be asked whether Casemiro has a long-term future as a United player.
Casemiro endured a rotten afternoon against Liverpool (
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Getty Images)
Salah extends stunning run
After two first-half assists, it was inevitable that Egyptian sensation Salah would get in on the goalscoring action, particularly at Old Trafford. Once again, United lost the ball in the heart of midfield, this time through Mainoo.
Szoboszlai trotted forwards and picked out Salah, who thundered the ball into the near post, with Andre Onana nowhere near. Salah has now scored in seven consecutive games at Old Trafford, netting 10 goals in that time.
With just a year remaining on his Liverpool contract, the Reds will be keen to tie him down to a new deal. United meanwhile will be hoping he leaves sooner rather than later.
Alisson keeps Zirkzee at bay
While it was an awful afternoon for the Red Devils, there was one slight bright spark - Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has finally given the United frontline some mobility and threat.
He was somewhat unfortunate not to have scored having twice been denied by Alisson. A curling effort was at first parried by the Brazilian, while he was also alive to a powerful header.
The former Bologna man also went close with a volleyed effort late on. Given the threat he brings, Zirkzee should score goals for the side going forwards but it was not quite meant to be against Liverpool.
Joshua Zirkzee had a number of chances vs Liverpool (
Image:
Getty Images)
Fans already turn
Fans were generally happy after Sir Jim Ratcliffe chose to retain faith in Erik ten Hag this summer. The Old Trafford support had largely stuck by the Dutchman despite a tricky couple of campaigns.
But there were a few murmurs of discontent against Liverpool. Midway through the second period, Ten Hag chose to replace Alejandro Garnacho with Amad.
The decision did not go down well with the fans, who loudly booed. Given the early stage of the season, Ten Hag already has a big job on his hands to get the Red Devils support back on side.
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