On the verge of a nervous breakdown before the game, the Red Devils won their first victory of the season at the expense of the Reds on Monday at Old Trafford (2-1).
Manchester United, first! Beaten in their first two outings of the season, Erik ten Hag’s players disposed of their neighbors Liverpool (2-1) on Monday evening, at the end of the third day of the Premier League. A more than welcome victory as the crisis simmers, the supporters having expressed their anger before the game and demanded, once again, the departure of the Glazer family. Which supporters, however, must have appreciated the performance of their proteges, who logically won thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, against an achievement by Mo Salah. Cristiano Ronaldo? He only came into play in the 85th minute of play. A strong choice from Ten Hag, not the only one. A winning choice. Not the only one.
After success in the Community Shield and two draws in “PL”, the Reds have their first defeat in the English league since… December 28, 2021. It was against Leicester City (1-0). Deprived of Darwin Nunez (suspended) and several midfielders, the vice-champions of Europe and England are not there.
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Sancho, cool
The Red Devils quickly took the reins in this meeting of fear, betting on the speed of their attackers, but also a great aggressiveness in the duels, intensity at all levels. It was precisely in a transition situation that Elanga found the post (9th) and lit the first fuse. Unhappy on this one, the young Swede turned into a passer for Sancho, the latter brilliant by… his composure to deceive Alisson in pivot (1-0, 16th). Logical advantage, as MU had the upper hand at the start of the meeting. Eriksen was also not far from the break on a free kick (25th). If they gradually took control in possession, the Reds struggled to be dangerous. No real chance in 45 minutes, but a miracle, with this save from Martinez on his line to avoid a… CSC from Fernandes (1-0 MT).
Surprise at the recovery with Martial in place of Elanga. Still speed for MU, suffering in the first minutes of this second period but which was not long … to make the break. It was precisely Martial who put Rashford into orbit. The latter, with the same composure as Sancho earlier, deceived Alisson in force (2-0, 53rd). De Gea – widely criticized after the rout of Brentford (4-0) – joined the party (54th), with a sublime save in front of Diaz, and Alisson returned the favor (55th). In any case, Liverpool could not shake up these solid and united Mancunians. Which Mancunians were close to 3-0 after this Rashford festival (75th) and could finally blow the whistle (2-1).
Liverpool seven behind leaders Arsenal
MU, which goes back to 14th place in the English ranking, and presented its latest recruit, the now ex-Madridian Casemiro, before the match, will be able to tackle its next two outings, two trips to Southampton and Leicester, with a little more than serenity. Only a little, the soap opera Ronaldo not being finished, far from it… Two home matches to follow for Liverpool, against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Jürgen Klopp’s players, 16th in the standings, are mostly relegated to five points behind Manchester City and seven behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.