Liverpool continue perfect EPL start as Diaz double sinks United

Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the 2024-25 English Premier League campaign when they beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford on Monday morning (AEST).

United midfielder Casemiro committed two howlers that allowed Colombian forward Luis Diaz to capitalise, granting Liverpool a two-goal advantage at the break.

Destined to get on the scoresheet after netting twice in his last three games against United, Mohamed Salah struck 11 minutes after the restart to put the result beyond doubt.

Suffering their second defeat in three matches, the result condemned Erik ten Hag’s side to 14th on the EPL table — six points behind Liverpool, who are level on points with champions Manchester City on three wins apiece.

The result also means the Red Devils have been beaten in three of their last five league games against Liverpool, having previously lost the same number in their last 18 home games against the Merseyside club.

Meanwhile, the win continued Liverpool manager Arne Slot perfect league record since taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the English summer.

“I normally don’t use the word ‘proud’ but what I think we did very well in all three games is the work-rate without the ball,” Slot said after the game.

“What impressed me most today was the way we played with the ball because I know what we can do without the ball, but the way we played with the ball was I think also very good today.”

Salah’s strike extended his tally to 15 goals against Man United — more than any other player in this fixture.

Having provided both assists in the first half, the Egyptian forward was eager to score a goal of his own.

He said, “At half-time I’d managed to get two assists and I was just like, ‘It’s my time to score!’

“I wanted to score, I love to score, this is something I really love to do. As much as I score and the team are winning, that’s the most important thing.”

A second consecutive defeat draws unwanted scrutiny on United manager ten Hag.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils can redeem themselves on September 14, as online bookmakers are paying $1.82 for United to beat Southampton ($4.14) at St Mary’s Stadium.

Liverpool will be at Anfield on the same day, where they are $1.20 favourites against Nottingham Forest ($13) with leading soccer betting sites.

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