Liverpool Crush Manchester United to Keep Arne Slot's Perfect Start Intact

                 Liverpool Crush Manchester United to Keep Arne Slot's Perfect Start Intact

A second straight loss puts Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag under pressure just three games into the new season.

Arne Slot passed his first major test as Liverpool manager with a resounding 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, thanks to a brace from Luis Diaz and a goal from Mohamed Salah. Taking over from Jurgen Klopp, Slot has made a flawless start, maintaining a 100 percent record across three Premier League games and positioning Liverpool alongside Manchester City at the top of the table. "I think everything you want to see as a manager was on display in this game," Slot remarked.

**Liverpool Thrash Manchester United to Preserve Arne Slot's Perfect Start**

Arne Slot passed his first major test as Liverpool manager with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, thanks to a brace from Luis Diaz and a goal from Mohamed Salah. Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp, has started his tenure flawlessly, winning all three of his Premier League matches and sitting level with Manchester City at the top of the table. "I think everything you want to see as a manager was on display in this game," Slot commented.

The defeat marks Manchester United’s second consecutive loss, placing considerable pressure on manager Erik ten Hag just three games into the new season. The Dutchman, who survived an internal review after overseeing United's worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth last season, is now facing renewed scrutiny despite a significant summer investment of £200 million ($262 million).

United's defensive frailties were exposed once again, with Casemiro particularly at fault for both of Diaz’s goals before being substituted at half-time. The Brazilian’s performance, coupled with a lackluster display from the team, highlighted the ongoing issues that were also evident last season.

New £42 million signing Manuel Ugarte was introduced before kick-off, and United will be hoping for a transformative impact from the Uruguayan to stabilize their midfield. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s decision not to sign a defensive midfielder and to shift Ryan Gravenberch into that role has proven to be an astute one so far.

Liverpool, who had previously dominated United under Klopp, were clinical in their approach and could have matched their 5-0 victory at Old Trafford from 2021. Despite an early scare when a goal-bound shot from Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out for offside, Liverpool’s dominance was evident throughout.

Casemiro’s slack passing allowed Gravenberch to assist Salah, whose cross was finished by Diaz at the back post. Diaz’s second goal, after Casemiro was dispossessed, compounded United’s woes before Salah added a third, marking his 15th goal in 16 appearances against the Red Devils.

Salah, who hinted this could be his final season at Liverpool with less than a year left on his contract, expressed a desire to enjoy his time at the club without dwelling on the future. "I was coming to the game thinking it could be the last time playing at Old Trafford," Salah told Sky Sports. "I just want to enjoy it and not think about it."

As Arsenal emerge as potential challengers to Manchester City’s dominance, Liverpool’s early-season form suggests they remain strong contenders even without Klopp at the helm.