Sports
Diaz, Salah Score As Liverpool Beat Manchester United At Old Trafford
Slot, who stepped into the shoes of Jurgen Klopp, has made an impeccable start with a perfect record from three Premier League matches, placing Liverpool level with Manchester City at the top of the table.
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Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag is already feeling the heat after a second consecutive defeat, just three games into the new season. The Dutchman narrowly kept his job following United’s worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth last season, surviving an internal review and buoyed by a surprise FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
Despite spending £200 million ($262 million) on new signings, United’s familiar shortcomings were laid bare by an impressive Liverpool side. Casemiro was particularly culpable, responsible for both of Diaz’s goals, leading to his substitution at halftime for young Toby Collyer.
United unveiled new £42 million signing Manuel Ugarte before kick off, hoping the Uruguayan can bolster their midfield. In contrast, Liverpool didn’t make a move for a defensive midfielder, but Slot’s decision to reposition Ryan Gravenberch in that role has proven to be an inspired early choice.
Despite Liverpool’s ascendency over United during Klopp’s reign, the German managed to win only two of his 11 away games against United.
The Reds twice failed to make the most of their dominance at Old Trafford last season as United edged a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final 4-3 and then snatched a 2-2 draw in the league that realistically ended Liverpool’s title chances.
This time Liverpool were ruthless and could easily have matched their record 5-0 victory away to United in 2021.
United had been handed an early reprieve when Trent Alexander-Arnold fired in Diaz’s deflected cross but the ball had struck Salah, who was in an offside position, on its way through to the right-back.
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Casemiro had looked more like his old self in the opening matches of the campaign after struggling badly last season.
But the five-time Champions League winner had another afternoon that suggested his time at this level are now over.
Casemiro’s slack pass was pounced on by Gravenberch who fed Salah and his dinked cross was headed in by Diaz at the back post.
Liverpool needed an important save from Alisson Becker moments later to parry Noussair Mazraoui’s low powerful effort.
However, Ten Hag’s men collapsed once the second goal went in three minutes before half-time.
Casemiro was caught in possession by Diaz, who then raced into the box to sweep home Salah’s cross.
Salah got his customary goal against United on 56 minutes to rub salt in the home side’s wounds.
The Egyptian’s stunning finish from Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass was his 15th goal in 16 meetings against the Red Devils, including at least one in each of his last seven appearances at Old Trafford.
Salah should have had more as he blazed over from close range with his team-mates begging for a pass.
Another brilliant Alisson save from Joshua Zirkzee then prolonged Liverpool’s record of not having conceded under Slot.
Arsenal have been tipped as the side most likely to dethrone City as champions after four consecutive titles for Pep Guardiola’s men.
But Liverpool could have done little more in the early weeks of the campaign to dispel any doubts they remain contenders even without Klopp at the helm.
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