Man Utd 2 – 1 Liverpool

An unrecognisable Manchester United performance of class and intensity saw goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho earn a deserved 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

United had endured a week of intense criticism after their 4-0 hammering at Brentford last weekend, but responded in style to leapfrog Jurgen Klopp’s side and earn a first league win over their bitter rivals since March 2018, and Erik ten Hag’s first as United manager.

They had rattled their visitors even before Sancho was given time to turn onto his left foot in the box and fire past an unsighted Alisson (16), and David de Gea did not have a save to make before the break.

Instead, United kept up their early promise and doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second period, when half-time arrival Anthony Martial set Rashford free to beat Alisson at his near post.

“Manchester United got a lot of criticism for their defending at Brentford last week and Liverpool should be getting exactly the same treatment after this,” said Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher about his former club.

The visitors did finally rally to pull a goal back with 10 minutes remaining, as Mohamed Salah became the first Liverpool player in history to score 10 goals against United when he nodded home the rebound from Fabio Carvalho’s shot.

But the hosts’ night of dogged defending continued to see them through to a first win of the season, and the statement of intent Ten Hag had been looking for from his new side.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Manchester United’s next assignment is a trip to Southampton on Saturday lunchtime; kick-off 12.30pm. Erik ten Hag’s side then travel to Leicester City on September 1; kick-off 8pm, before hosting Arsenal three days later, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 4.30pm.

Liverpool now face two home games – first against Bournemouth this Saturday; kick-off 3pm, then against Newcastle the following Wednesday; kick-off 8pm. Focus will then turn to the Merseyside derby against Everton in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off on September 3; kick-off at 12.30pm.