Liverpool delivered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with Luis Diaz leading the charge in a match that marked a perfect start to the Premier League season for new boss Arne Slot. The Reds now sit second in the league, trailing Manchester City only on goals scored, after a performance that left United fans streaming out of the stadium long before the final whistle.
Diaz opened the scoring in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a careless mistake by United’s Casemiro, who lost possession in a dangerous area. Mohamed Salah quickly seized the opportunity, delivering a pinpoint cross that Diaz headed home to put Liverpool ahead. Just seven minutes later, Diaz doubled Liverpool’s lead, again benefiting from a Salah assist after Casemiro was once more caught off guard.
The final blow came early in the second half, with Salah smashing home his third goal of the season in the 52nd minute, courtesy of a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai. Salah’s strike, his 10th in nine appearances at Old Trafford in all competitions, sealed the deal for Liverpool, leaving United with no way back.
This victory not only extended Liverpool’s unbeaten start under Slot but also marked a historical achievement. Slot became the first Liverpool manager since Bob Paisley in 1975 to win his first league game against Manchester United. Additionally, he joins an elite group of managers who have won their first three Premier League games without conceding a single goal, a feat last achieved by Sven-Goran Eriksson with Manchester City in 2007.
For United’s Erik ten Hag, the pressure is mounting. The Dutchman’s position had already been under scrutiny following a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, and this latest defeat—coming just a week after a 2-1 loss to Brighton—has only intensified the calls for change. Despite surviving a close-season review that included discussions with former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain.
