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September 2, 2024

Liverpool Crush Manchester United to Extend Arne Slot’s Flawless Start – EPL

Back-to-back defeats have left Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag facing mounting pressure just three matches into the new season.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Arne Slot successfully navigated his first significant test as Liverpool manager with a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, thanks to a brace from Luis Diaz and a goal from Mohamed Salah on Sunday. Taking on the challenging role of succeeding Jurgen Klopp, Slot has made an impressive debut, boasting a perfect record with three consecutive wins in the Premier League. This strong start places him alongside Manchester City at the summit of the league table. “I think everything you want to see as a manager you saw in this game,” said Slot.

With a second straight loss, United manager Erik ten Hag faces increasing pressure just three matches into the new season.

The Dutchman emerged from an internal review after last season despite overseeing the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish of eighth place. 

A surprising FA Cup final victory against Manchester City secured Ten Hag’s position. It provided a glimmer of hope for a fresh beginning, especially with a substantial £200 million ($262 million) investment in the transfer market to bolster the squad.

However, the impressive visitors laid bare all the signs of United’s shortcomings from last season.

“It’s not like I’m Harry Potter,” said Ten Hag.”We just had a third game in the season and again we have to build a new team.

“We will be fine. It’s clear we have to improve but at the end of the season I’m quite confident that we will have a big chance to lift another trophy.”

Casemiro became the scapegoat for the home team, as he was responsible for both of Diaz’s goals and was substituted at halftime in favor of young talent Toby Collyer. 

Before the match, United showcased their new £42 million signing, Manuel Ugarte, and now they must rely on the Uruguayan to significantly strengthen their midfield.

In contrast, Liverpool opted against entering the market for a defensive midfielder, and Slot’s choice of Ryan Gravenberch into that position has proven to be a shrewd early move.

Although Liverpool enjoyed dominance over United during Klopp’s tenuKlopp’s German won only two of his 11 away matches against them.

This time, Liverpool displayed their ruthless side and could have easily matched their record 5-0 victory at United in 2021.

Is this Salah’s farewell season?

United received an early reprieve when Trent Alexander-Arnold struck Diaz’s defleDiaz’sross, but the ball had touched Salah, who was in an offside position, before reaching the right-back. 

In the opening matches of the campaign, Casemiro appeared to be regaining his former form after facing significant challenges last season.

However, the five-time Champions League winner’s appearance raised questions about his ability to compete at this level. 

The former Real Madrid midfielder was intercepted by Gravenberch, who set up Salah. Diaz headed in his chipped cross at the back post.

Ten Hag’s squad Hag’sapart after scoring the second goal three minutes before halftime. 

Casemiro was dispossessed by Diaz, who then surged into the box to finish Salah’s crosSalah’sah added his customary goal against United in the 56th minute, further deepening the home side’s woes. Side’ sEgyptian’s strike, assisted by Dominik Szoboszlai, marked his 15th goal in 16 encounters against the Red Devils. He has scored at least once in his last seven outings at Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, he suggested this season might be his final one with Liverpool, as his contract has less than a year remaining.

“I was coming to the game, (thinking) it could be the last time (playing at Old Trafford),” Salah told Sky Sports.

“I had a good summer and had a long time to myself to try to stay positive because as you know it’s my last year at the club.

“I just want to enjoy it and I don’t want to think about it.”

Arsenal are” viewed as the team most likely to unseat City as champions after Pep Guardiola’s Guardiola’s four consecutive titles.

However, Liverpool has done everything possible in the campaign’s campaigns to dispel doubts about their status as contenders, even in Klopp’s abseKlopp’s