We learnt a lot of things as Manchester United came up with a gritty performance to beat Liverpool in the third match of the 2022/23 Premier League, which also happens to be the first win of the season for the Red Devils.
After multiple protests against the Glazers, Manchester United delivered a determined performance to beat fierce rivals Liverpool 2-1 and claim their first points under the Erik ten Hag era.
United had endured a week of intense criticism after their 4-0 hammering at Brentford last weekend, but they responded in style to earn the win over their bitter rivals.
Jadon Sancho spun two defenders and scored a sensational goal past Alisson in the sixteenth minute. Out-of-form winger Marcus Rashford looked in exquisite touch and scored in the second half to double the lead.
Mohamed Salah scored a late goal for Liverpool but United managed to hold on for the three points. New Man United signing Casemiro was unveiled before the game and he watched on from the spectator’s box after completing his move from Real Madrid.
1. Raphael Varane-Lisandro Martinez Pair Looks Good
Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire had no command over the defensive structure in their previous two games. However, Raphael Varane looked so composed at the back and the confidence seemed to have passed onto Martinez who had one of his better games.
Martinez imposed himself from minute one against Mohamed Salah and did likewise against James Milner. He even saved a sure-shot own goal by Bruno Fernandes.
Lisandro Martinez’s first half by numbers vs. Liverpool:
100% successful dribbles
88% pass accuracy
24 touches
5 final third passes
4 long balls
3 ball recoveries
2 clearances
1 blockExcellent display. 💪 pic.twitter.com/hT19wRNLMR
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 22, 2022
2. Marcus Rashford Is Back
Anthony Martial came on for Anthony Elanga and set Rashford through on goal for a terrific finish past Alisson Becker. It was his fourth shot of the match and a deserved harvest for a player who’s been under scrutiny for quite a while.
There was a remark among the media that this may well have been the first time that we’ve seen Rashford smile in years. With the focal point of Cristiano Ronaldo removed, Rashford looked every inch the exciting young attacker he has proven himself to be in the past. He can still be the future of this club under this manager.
3. Jadon Sancho Showing His Potential
After signing from Borussia Dortmund last season, Sancho has shown glimpses of his ability and potential. But the goal he scored in this match was a true indicator of what is to come from the player. Finally a big goal in a big game for last summer’s signing, Sancho is the type of player that Erik ten Hag can build his side around if he gets his way.
See More:
- Manchester United Pull Out of Deal For Serie A Forward After Having £7.6m Bid Rejected
- Three Very Essential Decisions United Got Wrong In Their Shock Defeat Against Brighton
- Manchester United Make Enquiry For £54.8m Rated Bundesliga Star
The result lifted United off the foot of the table into 14th place, while last season’s runners-up, Liverpool, are in 16th place, with just two points from their first three games.
As reported by ESPN, Ten Hag said.
“I wanted a different approach and a different attitude and that is what they brought on the pitch. It is only a start. We can play with much more composure and much more danger. Be a team, and have a good spirit and that is what we saw today.”
Next week, Manchester United face a confident Southampton side at St Mary’s Stadium that beat Leicester City 2-1 this weekend.
Follow AD for the Latest Matchday Updates on Manchester United.