Familiar mistakes cost Manchester United again as they slumped to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils enjoyed this game last season, memorably beating the Merseysiders on their way to FA Cup glory, but were unable to build any momentum as two costly errors from Casemiro allowed Luis DÃaz get a double. Mohamed Salah later got in on the action, curling in at Andre Onana’s near post to wrap up all three points for Arne Slot.
Trent Alexander-Arnold initially thought he had scored and went all Steven Gerrard as he kissed the camera after reaching the back post to shoot, but Salah was offside moments earlier and the strike was disallowed .
Lots of kisses to the cameras from Alexander-Arnold, but ruled out for offside against Salah.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) September 1, 2024
We’ve seen this celebration before, but this time it doesn’t count… 😘
Trent Alexander-Arnold thought he had put Liverpool ahead but Mo Salah was ruled offside in the build-up!#MUNLIV #TheKickOff pic.twitter.com/7TPSJb0IHC
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 1, 2024
However, united He couldn’t pick up much pace, and midfielder Casemiro wasn’t particularly helpful. The Brazilian was to blame as the Reds went two goals up before the break, with Luis Diaz netting twice.
His poor pass was swallowed up by Ryan Gravenberch and Diaz was soon on hand to head home Salah’s cross at the back post.
A few minutes later, Diaz robbed Casemiro in another dangerous position and again finished well with an assist from Salah, guiding the ball into the corner.
This finish is so good. Liverpool clinical today, but Casemiro bro, it might be time to hang up those boots
— Hunter Godson (@HunterGodson) September 1, 2024
“Luis Diaz, he’s from Barrancas…” 🎶🇨🇴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2024
LUIS DIAZ HATERSSSSSS IS CALM 🤫 pic.twitter.com/iKqkAE9H41
— Liam 💫 (@LiamMLFC) September 1, 2024
Casemiro has been unbelievably bad.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 1, 2024
Football left Casemiro and then turned him around again
— Lyés (@LyesBouzidi10) September 1, 2024
Casemiro has to retire after today.
— Trey (@UTDTrey) September 1, 2024
This performance by Casemiro is hilarious but very sad at the same time.
— Ant. (@AnthonyPaphitis) September 1, 2024
New signing Manuel Ugarte could soon replace Casemiro in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, but United couldn’t get a goal back even with the Brazilian coming on for youngster Toby Collyer at the break. Instead, it was Liverpool which extended its leadership.
Salah has frequently punished United in the past and did the same on Sunday, converting well after Dominik Szoboszlai took charge and slotted him in for his 15th goal against the Old Trafford side.
At least we’re not as bad as United
— coys comps (@coyscomps) September 1, 2024
Old Trafford is an absolute playground for Mo Salah
— Ben Ramsdale (@benaramsdale) September 1, 2024
3-0. salah Erik ten Hag throws his water bottle on the ground in disgust.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) September 1, 2024
United have now slumped to a second Premier League defeat in as many games after that Sunday’s losswhile Liverpool have collected nine points so far to sit at the top of the table alongside reigning champions Manchester City.
