United stuns Liverpool as manager ten Hag secures maiden win

MANCHESTER: Manchester United produced an utterly unexpected 2-1 victory over old rival Liverpool in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Monday.

United’s vastly improved performance helped clinch its first points of the campaign, thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. The defeat left Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool without a victory from its opening three matches and with just two points. It was the first win for United manager Erik ten Hag, who was rewarded for his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo and club captain Harry Maguire on the bench.

“I am happy with the performance, but we have to bring it to every game,” said ten Hag. “Do not just bring it against [just] Liverpool. Every Premier League game is difficult. We need to bring it to every game. It starts, once again, with the spirit,” added ten Hag.

Sancho put the host ahead in the 16th minute by showing great composure. He collected a pull-back from Anthony Elanga, left James Milner on his backside and then slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Christian Eriksen was denied a second for ten Hag’s team with a curling free-kick, which Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker touched away from the top corner. But, United extended its lead after the break.

A mistake by Jordan Henderson allowed substitute Anthony Martial to send Rashford clear and the England forward kept his cool to slot past Alisson in the 53rd minute. Henderson was part of a weakened midfield along with Milner and Harvey Elliott, but Liverpool was below par all over the field.

The visiting team did, however, pull a goal back in the 81st minute when Fabio Carvalho’s shot was parried by United custodian David de Gea, only for Mohamed Salah to react quickly and nod in the loose ball.

In the high-stake clash, Lisandro Martinez was outstanding in the centre of defence alongside the recalled Raphael Varane while Tyrell Malacia, picked ahead of Luke Shaw at left-back, was tenacious throughout. “We can talk about tactical [things], but it is all about attitude. There was communication and a fighting spirit,” said ten Hag.

RESULT: Manchester United 2 (J Sancho 16, M Rashford 53) bt Liverpool 1 (M Salah 81)