And what if the last click was for Eric Ten Hag’s men? And under the eyes of new recruit Casemiro, Manchester United beat Liverpool on Monday evening, on behalf of the third day of the English Premier League (2-1). Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford gave them a deserved victory, smeared only by a goal from Mohamed Salah.
What to remember
The Red Devils attacked this meeting in a climate of crisis. Fans in front of the stadium before the meeting in protest expected a strong reaction, and it was on the ground. After two defeats in two days in the league, including a humiliation at Brentford (4-0), coach Eric ten Hag made strong choices, putting captain Harry Maguire on the bench, as did Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the first half, Manchester United players set the stadium on fire. With greater strength and greater desire than their opponents, they took the lead in the 16th minute, having already shot at the post (10). Thanks to a clever trick, Jadon Sancho tricked the opposing defense and goalkeeper, before putting the ball into the back of the net.
Zero, Liverpool didn’t frame a single shot during the first 45 minutes, but still almost equalized on goal calm in the 41st minute.
But success was in the interest of United on Monday evening, and Marcus Rashford aggravated the result after returning from the dressing room, and was decisive in a pass from Anthony Martial (53). His first goal since January.
Liverpool woke up too late, with Mohamed Salah closing the difference in the 82nd minute. Jurgen Klopp’s men are still looking for their first win of the season, as they have fallen to 16th in the Premier League standings, with their opponents advancing to 14th place. At the same time, they suffered their first league defeat since December 2021.
Man of the Match: Raphael Varane
It is a resounding return to the fore. A substitute since the start of the season, Raphael Varane was one of Eric ten Hag’s strong choices on Monday night. Taking the place of the usual captain, the much criticized Harry Maguire, the France international succeeded in his first spell on the orders of his new coach.
The captain, who has been focused and comfortable in the recovery, Raphael Varane signed a reassuring copy against Liverpool, when before the meeting we questioned his situation a few months before the World Cup. Beyond his individual performance, it was his association with Lisandro Martinez at the center of defense that made a good impression above all else. This new joint can upset the hierarchy in place.
Number: 5
With only 5 minutes of regulatory time remaining when Cristiano Ronaldo joined, another assignment on the bench was sure to fuel rumors about him as his future at Manchester United has been in question since the start of this transfer window. The Portuguese was hailed on leaving to warm up, and was finally unable to enjoy a triumphant welcome from the Mancunian crowd as he returned.
On the field, the striker did not have time to speak, except for a complex left-footed shot, which was sent to the Old Trafford stands. By September 1 and the end of the transfer window, his situation will be closely monitored and his future will remain more uncertain than ever.
