Erik ten Hag has same problems despite Man Utd’s summer of change as Liverpool expose cracks

It was ruthlessly stripped away by Liverpool to leave Manchester United facing all their old problems. The last thing Erik ten Hag probably needed was his brave new world to be tested by Liverpool just three games into the season.

And this felt like two teams heading in very different directions as Arne Slot has made a seamless start since taking over from Jurgen Klopp. Mo Salah carried on setting new records – becoming the first visiting player to score in seven consecutive games at Old Trafford – while Luis Diaz put in another sensational performance.

In contrast, all of United’s old problems were there as Brazil midfielder Casemiro was hooked at half-time after being horribly at fault in both Diaz’s first half goals. The United fans booed when Ten Hag substituted Alejandro Garnacho and they barracked Marcus Rashford when he failed to track back. Sound familiar? They are already questioning the manager.

‌It was a brave decision to stick with ten Hag in the summer but, after two defeats in their opening three games, United fans voted with their feet. Old Trafford was virtually empty at the final whistle bar the pocket of Liverpool fans in the far corner as they celebrated and serenaded their new manager with celebratory songs.

‌This felt humiliating, disjointed and all too familiar. United appear to be treading water under ten Hag because there was no cohesion, pride or identity. Liverpool sliced through United with so much ease and the harsh reality was the visitors could – and probably should – have won more comfortably.

‌Slot’s men were slick, the new-look midfield purred with Ryan Gravenberch running riot and their perfect start might just mark them down as Manchester City’s closest challengers this season.‌ Liverpool started brilliantly and Trent Alexander-Arnold had the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out by VAR. But they did not have to wait much longer to go ahead after 35 minutes.

‌Casemiro lost the ball, Gravenberch led a charge forward and then Salah put over a cross for Diaz to head home at the back post with United’s defence AWOL. Seven minutes later, it was 2-0. Casemiro lost the ball again. Salah then put over a low cross and Diaz, who started the move, slotted into the bottom corner.

No wonder United subbed Casemiro at the break. United signed Manuel Ugarte late on deadline day to replace Casemiro and the £50m Uruguay midfielder was presented on the pitch before the game. United brought on rookie Toby Collyer to replace Casemiro and ten Hag will only want to be judged when Ugarte is embedded in their midfield. Mind you, the new-look defence did not look very secure.

Liverpool got a third after 56 minutes when Alexis Mac Allister robbed Kobbie Mainoo – the United malaise was even getting to him – and Dominik Szoboszlai fed Salah who smashed home. Salah bent down and kissed the turf to celebrate his goal. No player loves Old Trafford more than Salah. The Egyptian king has scored ten goals in nine appearances in all competitions in United’s backyard.

Liverpool could have had more as Salah went close and Szoboszlai passed up a big opportunity while trying to pick his spot when he should have just shot. Alexander-Arnold sulked when he got subbed last week while this time he punched the air before sitting down to the delight of the away end. They have all bought into Slot’s new winning machine.

‌You have to admire United for sticking with Ten Hag and rewarding him for lifting the FA Cup last season. But despite another big summer in the transfer market, they have still got so many problems to fix.

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