Arne Slot successfully passed his first major test as Liverpool manager with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Luis Diaz scored twice and Mohamed Salah added another goal to secure the win.
Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp, has started his tenure with a perfect record, winning all three of Liverpool's Premier League matches so far, placing them alongside Manchester City at the top of the table.
"I think everything you want to see as a manager you saw in this game," Slot said.
The defeat leaves Manchester United's Erik ten Hag under pressure, as his team now faces two losses in three games this season. Ten Hag, who managed to stay on after an internal review following last season's eighth-place finish, had hoped for a fresh start with a £200 million transfer budget. Despite this, United's vulnerabilities from last season were evident against Liverpool.
"It's not like I'm Harry Potter," Ten Hag remarked. "We just had a third game in the season and again we have to build a new team. We will be fine. It's clear we have to improve but at the end of the season I'm quite confident that we will have a big chance to lift another trophy."
Casemiro, who was responsible for both of Diaz's goals, was substituted at half-time in favor of Toby Collyer. United had introduced new £42 million signing Manuel Ugarte before the match and will hope he can stabilize their midfield.
Liverpool, meanwhile, did not sign a defensive midfielder this summer. Slot's decision to position Ryan Gravenberch in that role has proven effective early on. During Klopp's era, Liverpool won only two of 11 away matches against United. This time, Liverpool’s performance was dominant, potentially matching their 5-0 victory at Old Trafford in 2021.
Liverpool had an early chance when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s attempt was deflected off Diaz's cross but struck Salah, who was offside. Casemiro, previously improving from last season, had another challenging game, highlighted by a poor pass leading to Diaz’s first goal. Salah’s assist to Diaz, and his subsequent goal, cemented the lead.
Salah scored his 15th goal in 16 matches against United on 56 minutes, further adding to United’s struggles. This season could be Salah’s last for Liverpool with his contract expiring in under a year.
"I was coming to the game, (thinking) it could be the last time (playing at Old Trafford)," Salah told Sky Sports. "I had a good summer and had a long time to myself to try to stay positive because as you know it's my last year at the club. I just want to enjoy it and I don't want to think about it."
Arsenal have been identified as the main challengers to Manchester City’s four consecutive titles. However, Liverpool's strong start under Slot suggests they remain serious contenders despite Klopp's departure.
