And if it was finally the click for the men of Erik ten Hag? Under the eyes of his new recruit Casemiro, Manchester United won against Liverpool on Monday evening, on behalf of the 3rd day of the Premier League (2-1). Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford gave them a deserved victory, tarnished only by a goal from Mohamed Salah.
What you must remember
The Red Devils attacked this meeting in a climate of crisis. The supporters present in front of the stadium before the meeting to protest expected a strong reaction, and had it on the ground. After two defeats in two league days, including a humiliation at Brentford (4-0), coach Erik ten Hag made strong choices, placing his captain Harry Maguire on the bench, like Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the first half, Manchester United players set the stadium on fire. With more intensity and more desire than their opponents, they took the lead in the 16th minute, after having already hit the post (10th). Thanks to a clever feint, Jadon Sancho deceived the defense and the opposing goalkeeper, before placing the ball in the back of the net.
Non-existent, Liverpool did not frame a single shot during the first 45 minutes, but still almost equalized on a gag goal in the 41st.
But the success was clearly on the side of United this Monday evening, and Marcus Rashford worsened the score after returning from the locker room, decisive on an assist from Anthony Martial (53rd). His first goal since last January.
Liverpool woke up too late, with Mohamed Salah closing the gap in the 82nd minute. Jürgen Klopp’s men are still looking for their first win of the season, sinking to 16th place in the Premier League standings, as their opponents move up to 14th place. At the same time, they suffered their first defeat in the league since December 2021.
Man of the Match: Raphaël Varane
It’s a resounding return to the fore. Substitute since the start of the season, Raphaël Varane was one of Erik ten Hag’s strong choices on Monday evening. By taking the place of the usual captain, the much criticized Harry Maguire, the French international has succeeded in his first tenure under the orders of his new coach.
Leader, focused and comfortable in the recovery, Raphaël Varane signed a reassuring copy against Liverpool, when we wondered before the meeting about his situation a few months before the World Cup. Beyond his individual performance, it is above all his association with Lisandro Martinez in central defense that made a good impression. This new hinge could well upset the hierarchy in place.
The number: 5
With just 5 minutes of regulation time remaining when Cristiano Ronaldo came on, another stint on the bench that is sure to fuel rumors about him as his future at Manchester United has been in question from the start. of this transfer window. Applauded on leaving for the warm-up, the Portuguese was ultimately unable to enjoy a triumphant welcome from the Mancunian public during his return.
On the pitch, the striker did not have time to speak, apart from a complicated left-footed strike, sent into the stands of Old Trafford. By September 1 and the end of the transfer window, his situation will be closely monitored, and his future remains more uncertain than ever.