Mohamed Salah had involvement in all three goals as Liverpool beat Manchester United 3-0 in the Premier League to end a run of three straight draws between these bitter rivals.
The match got off to a frenetic pace, both teams anxious to take charge. Liverpool almost took an early lead through a deflected Trent Alexander-Arnold effort that seemed to have crossed the line, only for play to be pulled back as Salah was flagged offside in the build-up. Early exchanges were intense as both sides fought for possession and looked to capitalize on any mistake coming from either side.
It was Liverpool who, as the first half wore on, gradually took control, their good work rewarded in the 35th minute. Casemiro played a lazy pass across his box, latched onto by Ryan Gravenberch; the Dutchman moved it quickly onto Salah. The Egyptian’s weighted cross allowed Luis Díaz to head home and give his side a well-deserved lead. Just seven minutes later, the lead was doubled by the same player, courtesy of another incredible interchange with Salah, this time crossing first-time with the outside of his foot.
At halftime, United manager Erik ten Hag introduced Toby Collyer – his first Premier League appearance – in place of the ineffectual Casemiro. He immediately set about creating some good play down the right flank as he set up Joshua Zirkzee for a nice shot that Alisson was equal to. But United’s problems were far from over, as Alexis Mac Allister outmuscled Kobbie Mainoo and ushered his team on a counter-attack that ended up with Salah coolly tucking Liverpool’s third past Jack Butland.
Now having scored in seven straight appearances at Old Trafford, Salah continued to give United’s defense fits, as he had two other chances. The boos carries around Old Trafford on a now-dismal atmosphere, showing frustration from the home fans.
Despite a few late attempts from Zirkzee, including a close-range header parried by Alisson, United never really looked like finding a way back into the game. A victory for Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season, only the third time that they have begun a Premier League campaign with three consecutive clean sheets, while defeat leaves Manchester United stumbling as successive defeats turn up the heat on Ten Hag going into the international break.
