Manchester United are back to their winning ways as the much anticipated high end fixture in Old Trafford resulted in the hosts winning their first game of their campaign.
Erik Ten Hag presented a very unique fixture against Liverpool as the club captain, Harry Maguire was left on the bench along with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lisandro Martinez and Varane featured the United back four along with Malacia and Dalot. Liverpool on the other hand, were deprived of their key players, Thiago Alcantara and Darwin Nunez.
However, the game kicked off with a swift United attack. It’s after quite a long time that the United team looked so fresh and seemed to buzz with the electrifying energy where the Old Trafford crowd acted as a catalyst. Elanga hit the bar post denying him his first Derby goal. Allison was beaten but the post came into rescue Liverpool. Shortly, it was followed by a brilliantly orchestrated Jadan Sancho goal in the 16th minute.
Manchester United were holding possession and tried to win back the possession whenever they lost it. Jadon Sancho once again proved his worth by scoring that brilliant goal leaving Milner on the floor. Van Dijk on the other hand, could only watch that ball go in, handing the hosts a much deserving lead.
Christian Eriksen almost doubled United’s lead directly from a free-kick. Alisson made a lightning save which somehow prevented United from scoring once again. That goal would have been the perfect start for Eriksen’s career but Alisson made an equally good save.
Raphael Varane and Martinez – combined well to keep them at bay. Just before the first half whistle, Lisandro Martinez made a goal-line clearance that deflected off Bruno Fernandes’s body.
Anthony Martial came on after the first half and made an instant impact. Martial put forward a through ball to our very own Manchester born – Marcus Rashford who made no mistake with his right footed shot. It was a 1v1 situation with the goalkeeper but Rashford kept his head calm and gave United the two-goal cushion. Liverpool pulled a goal back late. Fabio Carvalho’s shot was saved by David De Gea in the first instance but the rebound helped Salah to score his goal and bring back hopes of a comeback.
United held on Liverpool for the last five minutes of the game. Old Trafford once again was greeted with huge celebration as the game finally went to United’s favour.
MATCH DETAILS
United: De Gea; Dalot (Wan-Bissaka 85), Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Eriksen (Van de Beek 85), McTominay; Sancho (Fred 70), Fernandes, Elanga (Martial 45); Rashford (Ronaldo 85).
Subs not used: Heaton, Maguire, Shaw, Garnacho.
Goals: Sancho 15, Rashford 53.
Bookings: Varane, Dalot, Fernandes.
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dyke, Robertson (Tsmikas 85); Elliot, Henderson (Fabinho 58), Milner (Carvalho 73); Diaz, Firmino, Salah.
Subs not used: Adrian, Davies, Clark, Bajcetic, Phillips, Van den Berg.
Goals: Salah 81.
Bookings: Alexander-Arnold.
