Manchester United produced an outstanding display to defeat Liverpool and give manager Erik ten Hag his first Premier League victory at a thunderous Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho showed superb control and composure to put United in front before Marcus Rashford peeled away from Liverpool’s erratic defence to beat Alisson eight minutes after the break.
Mo Salah scrambled in a header with nine minutes left but United survived to give Ten Hag just the sort of triumph he needed to make his mark at Old Trafford.
Manchester United had been at their lowest following a 4-0 humiliation at Brentford which followed an opening day home defeat by Brighton.
What with thousands of fans protesting against the ownership of the Glazers before kick-off and the chants continuing throughout the game, it looked like the Red Devils were in for a repeat of last season’s encounters but the fans quickly rallied behind a performance of fierce intensity, passion and commitment that left Liverpool bullied for long periods.
With new signing Casemiro paraded in front of the Stretford End before kick-off, Erik Ten Hag’s United era looks to have finally been ignited with this resounding NorthWest derby victory.
Jurgen Klopp, in his post-match reaction, claimed his side could have won if they had applied themselves better in the game despite United’s relentless pressing all night.