Luis Díaz delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice as Liverpool dominated Manchester United in a convincing win.
It was hard to imagine a more perfect afternoon for Arne Slot—or a more harrowing one for Erik ten Hag. Just three games into the Premier League season, Ten Hag finds himself back in a familiar and uncomfortable position: under intense scrutiny with doubts surrounding his credentials as Manchester United's manager.
Slot, who had already secured victories in his first two matches in charge of Liverpool against Ipswich and Brentford, faced what was supposed to be his first real test. However, it proved far less challenging than expected, as United's dismal first-half performance, marked by a poor showing from Casemiro, set the tone for a one-sided affair. The only solace for United was that they avoided a repeat of the 7-0 thrashing at Anfield from two seasons ago, though Liverpool certainly had opportunities to rack up a similar scoreline.
Slot and his players executed their game plan with flair, asserting their dominance in every area. Luis Díaz's second goal at the end of the first half put Liverpool up 2-0, making it clear that the only remaining question was the final margin of victory. They later added a third through Mohamed Salah, the ever-present thorn in United’s side. It wasn’t just about fluid attacking; Liverpool's relentless work off the ball earned them a third consecutive clean sheet. Slot’s intentions were clear: he’s aiming to be in the title race.
By the time the final whistle blew, Old Trafford was half-empty, the remaining fans too stunned to jeer. The TV cameras captured a grim-faced Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the stands, leaving United’s minority owner—and everyone connected with the club—plenty to ponder.
The match began with loud, raw energy as United fans brought the fire Ten Hag had demanded. However, it wasn’t long before the traveling Liverpool supporters made themselves heard, reveling in the spectacle. Inflatable "seven" and "zero" balloons floated among them, a stark reminder of past humiliations.
Liverpool thought they had taken an early lead, only for VAR to rule out Trent Alexander-Arnold’s finish due to an offside on Salah. The move had been sparked by Ryan Gravenberch’s blistering run from midfield, slicing open United’s defense—a sign of things to come.
Despite the disappointment, Liverpool maintained their intensity, pressing high and winning possession in midfield, where United looked extremely vulnerable. Casemiro’s struggles were evident from the outset, both on and off the ball, turning the first half into a nightmare for the Brazilian midfielder.
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The breakthrough came after a misplaced pass from Casemiro led to a lightning-quick Liverpool counterattack, a hallmark of Slot’s strategy. Gravenberch found Salah, who crossed to the far post where Díaz was waiting to convert. Casemiro’s afternoon worsened when he was dispossessed by Díaz, leading to Liverpool’s second goal just before halftime. Salah’s pass found Díaz, who finished clinically to put the visitors firmly in control.
Liverpool could have added more before the break, with Szoboszlai and Jota both coming close, while United’s only notable effort was a shot from Noussair Mazraoui, which Alisson saved comfortably.
Liverpool continued to dominate in the second half, exploiting the gaps between United’s defense and midfield. Their third goal came after Mac Allister dispossessed Kobbie Mainoo, allowing Szoboszlai to set up Salah for another clinical finish. United, meanwhile, looked increasingly vulnerable, with Lisandro Martínez’s error almost leading to another goal.
Old Trafford grew increasingly tense, with boos greeting Ten Hag’s substitution of Alejandro Garnacho for Amad Diallo, as fans seemed to want Marcus Rashford withdrawn instead. United had a few chances late on, with Joshua Zirkzee going close and Alisson making some decent saves, but it was too little, too late. Szoboszlai missed a golden opportunity to add a fourth, but by then, the outcome was already clear: Liverpool had made it look too easy.