They’ve done it! Manchester United STIFFLED Liverpool’s title-winning attack by beating their arch-rivals 2-1 to get their first win of the season!
Manchester United’s players have finally come out of their shells and put in a performance worthy of the badge on their shirts. I haven’t seen these United players fight for the badge and one another that much in years. It was a joy to watch each player sprinting after every ball, contesting every header and tackle, and winning as many 50-50 balls as possible.
This truly was a United performance in every sense of the word.
And, unlike against Brighton and Brentford, these players showed desire from the first whistle.
I’m not sure whether the United players were psyched up from Casemiro’s unveiling right before the match or they were terrified that he’d take their starting spot (this seems the more likely option), because they came out flying in the opening 20-25 minutes. Liverpool was outplayed, outworked, and outfought on every single occasion during that span and was lucky to only get away with being down by one.
Just before Jadon Sancho’s ridiculous sit-down goal on Milner and Allison to put United up by one, Anthony Elanga wacked a one-vs-one shot against the post. I’ve never seen Jurgen Klopp-Liverpool look so disheveled and disjointed against a Manchester United team in the six years the German had coach has been with the Reds. That’s how bad Liverpool were.
Yet, for how bad Liverpool were, Manchester United were just as great. The back-line of Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Tyrell Malacia was SUPERB as they shutdown Liverpool’s attack all game long. Whether it was one of Martinez’s warrior-like blocks and tackles or one of Varane’s deft interceptions and steals, the two United center-backs held back Mo Salah, Robert Firmino, Luis Diaz, and co.
Obviously, Varane and Martinez were the two deserving players for man of the match, though I’d just give the award to Varane as he led this back-line like a true captain.
Unlike Captain Fridge (Harry Maguire for those who don’t follow United), Varane actually showed leadership, accountability, and inspirational play that rubbed off on everyone around him. I know Bruno was the “picked” captain today, but Varane was the true leader of that team.
Now, I have to mention the utter turnaround of Marcus Rashford in this game. He was incredible as he sprinted after every through ball, shoved defenders off the ball, and made the right choices in the final third. Without Rashford and his tenacity today, united would not have won this game. Plus, his solo goal in the 52′ sealed the win for United as that goal turned out to be the game winner.
Notably, other players like Scott Mctominay, Anthoy Martial, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Fred, David de Gea, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes also gave their all for the team and put in their best performances of the season too. I know I criticize these players a lot (which they more than deserve), but I’m more than willing to give them praise when they earn it. Each one of those players actually decided to fight and give effort today, which was all the difference.
Anyway, back to the game, Mo Salah was able to get a goal back for Liverpool on the 82′ mark, but the Reds couldn’t muster another chance to equalize. Despite their staggering 70% possession stat (at Old Trafford, no less), Liverpool’s attacks were swatted away as Man United picked up their first win of the season.
As for Liverpool, the panic button has now been pressed. With this loss, Manchester United have now gone ahead of the Liverpool (HAHAHA) in the Premier League standings. With only 2 meager points from a possible 9, it must now be said that Liverpool is well and truly in trouble of falling out of the title race before September.
They are now 7 points behind Arsenal (1st) and 5 points behind Manchester City (2nd) and Spurs (T-3rd; 4th on GD) only three matches into the new season and have Newcastle (who nearly beat City), Bournemouth, Everton (the Merseyside Derby), Wolves, Chelsea (Top-4 rivals), Brighton, Arsenal (Top-4 rivals), and Manchester City (title rivals) as their next 8 fixtures. In that order too,
Yeah, Liverpool might actually be stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League come October and November if the injuries to Thiago, Diego Jota, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, and Joel Matip don’t heal soon.
On the other hand, Manchester United finally get their Premier League season off and running. I was really worried that if ten Hag couldn’t get a result from this team in the upcoming weeks, he could have ended up getting the sack before Christmas.
Thankfully, Erik ten Hag and this United team shocked the world and defeated their arch-rivals for the first time in the Premier League in 4 years! Hopefully, the players take this new-found confidence into their game against Southampton.
What a game this was. I know I said that City vs. Newcastle was the game of the week yesterday, but I am changing my pick to this match. It was that exciting and nerve-wracking!
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