In a commanding performance, Liverpool secured a 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 1, 2024. The win, underscored by goals from Luis Díaz in the first half and Mohamed Salah in the second, not only highlighted Liverpool’s dominance on the pitch but also left United fans disheartened, evident in the numerous empty seats at the iconic stadium.
This triumph placed Liverpool level on nine points with Premier League leaders Manchester City, while Manchester United faced their second defeat in as many weeks, leaving them languishing in 14th place as they head into the international break.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s approach proved effective as he made history by becoming the first Liverpool manager to claim victory in his opening encounter against United since Bob Paisley in 1975. He also is now the only manager in Liverpool’s 131-year history to achieve clean sheets in his first three league games.
Liverpool quickly took control of the match, with Trent Alexander-Arnold having an early goal disallowed for offside. Unfazed by the setback, the Reds capitalized on errors from United, with Díaz scoring two goals from Salah’s assists before halftime. United manager Erik ten Hag made a decisive move at the break, substituting Casemiro after a poor performance, but Liverpool continued to dominate.
In the second half, Salah added a third goal, capping off a poor defensive display from United. Dominik Szoboszlai nearly increased the scoreline but squandered a chance in front of an open goal. While United managed some attempts at goal, they were unable to find the net, leading to a well-deserved victory for Liverpool.
Post-match, Ten Hag acknowledged the team’s defensive mistakes and praised Liverpool’s efficiency. Slot reflected on the game, mentioning how his side overcame early challenges and maintained high work rates throughout.
Both managers emphasized the importance of learning from this match, as United hopes that their recent signing of Manuel Ugarte will bolster their season, while Liverpool looks forward to the potential of Slot’s managerial prowess as they strive for success this season.