London, Sep 1: Manchester United slipped to a frustrating 3-0 defeat to our biggest rivals, Liverpool, on a day to forget at Old Trafford.Luis Diaz struck twice in the first half, after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early effort was ruled out by VAR, and Mohamed Salah, a perennial thorn in our side, added a third with all of the goals coming from costly turnovers of possession.
After unveiling Manuel Ugarte, our deadline-day signing, to the fans beforehand, Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee made their maiden starts after their summer moves from Bayern Munich, but the occasion was not as we had hoped it would be. United made a lively start, roared on by our passionate support, but without troubling Alisson in the visitors’ goal.
Out of nowhere, Liverpool’s first real attack seemed to have produced the opening goal. Ryan Gravenberch advanced into space to feed Diaz and his cross flicked off Salah before Alexander-Arnold got his shot away.
The ball was over the line before Diogo Dalot’s intervention and the England defender celebrated by kissing the TV camera. However, his joy was premature on this occasion, as VAR ruled Salah was offside when Diaz centred.
It was a clear let off, though, for Erik ten Hag’s side and things were pretty even for a spell afterwards.
There were precious few chances, even if events did remain entertaining, before the Merseysiders made the breakthrough on 35 minutes.
Casemiro’s pass was intercepted by Gravenberch and sparked a five-on-three situation. Gravenberch picked out Salah and his cross on the run was nodded in by Diaz at the far post, beating Dominik Szoboszlai to the punch.
The Reds’ only shot of the half was mishandled by Alisson, as Noussair Mazraoui’s strike went through Virgil van Dijk’s legs after Bruno Fernandes’s cross rebounded to him, but there were white shirts on hand to clear.
And things got worse, in the 42nd minute, when Casemiro was felled by Diaz and most of the ground expected a free-kick to be awarded.
When referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, Salah was again able to supply an assist with Diaz’s first-time finish swept past Andre Onana’s left hand. (Agencies)
