The Perfect Time for a Big Win: How Manchester United Stunned Liverpool

I'm sure a lot of you didn't anticipate Manchester United to play as well as they did against Liverpool yesterday. I am aware that, given how the two teams performed in the last campaign and the two most recent games, Liverpool anticipated receiving a passive test at Old Trafford as well. That, in my opinion, was the bare minimum United should have done to prevent its reputation from perishing. Undoubtedly, United has triumphed over the purported "best team." Thus, United supporters have every reason to be ecstatic about this victory.

Man Utd players celebrating Sancho's goal

I am aware that the season is just getting started. This indicates that there will be lots of games left to play. However, the performance of the entire United team during yesterday's game was, in my opinion, what caught everyone's attention. When Liverpool needed him to step up, the goalkeeper performed admirably from the back. What was more intriguing was how Lisandro Martinez got the game going. From the opening minute, Salah and others were terrified of the diminutive Argentina international. Perhaps he was made aware of the criticism that he is too short in the Premier League.

Additionally, Raphael Varane displayed composure, leadership, and excellence, making his partnership with Martinez appear prospective. It would be quite tough for Harry Maguire to return to the starting lineup if they carry on as they did against Liverpool, in my opinion. Due to their outstanding performance yesterday, Manchester United's full-backs, Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot have established themselves as the go-to players in the upcoming weeks. They have the character and attitude to succeed at the highest level, therefore I guess these individuals should continue to play for United going forward. Yesterday, Manchester United's defense was unquestionably impenetrable. 

However, compared to the players we saw in midfield in the previous two games, Bruno Fernandez, Christian Eriksen, and Scott Mctominay were very different yesterday. Bruno demonstrated great leadership when the team is in possession or out of it. He has demonstrated what Maguire was supposed to be doing. His leadership was evident on the field yesterday, as he kept every United player on his feet. 

Eriksen, on the other hand, was barely visible unless he was on a set piece. Regardless, his presence has been fantastic from the start. I know there is a lot to look forward to from United's new signing, Casemiro, who could make his debut next week against Southampton. As a result, a midfield trio consisting of Bruno, Eriksen, and Casemiro will be the next nightmare for opposing teams. Additionally, I thought Scott Mctominay was excellent yesterday. The manager made a wise choice when he brought in Fred Rodriguez for the second half, though.

There have been reports about Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire being benched before the game yesterday. As it turns out, Varane took the place of Maguire in the center-half and Anthony Elanga took Ronaldo's place up front. As the manager stated, "we need players who can press and press to not let Liverpool play their game."  Well, in that sense, the Manchester United manager was right. Because it was quite tough for players like Virgil Van Dijk and Alexandra Trent-Arnold to deal with the dangers posed by the United's front three from the first minute. As a result, in the first 45 minutes, Jadon Sancho calmly converted Elanga's assist to put United ahead.

Tactically, United manager Erik ten Hag recalled Anthony Martial into the starting lineup for the second 45 minutes to wreak more havoc for the opposition. Martial has once again demonstrated that he is prepared for the new season. He was too quick for Liverpool's center-backs as he set up Manchester United's second goal, which Marcus Rashford finished beautifully. This illustrates how difficult it would be for defenders to contain the front three if they continue to play as they did against Liverpool. Because even the most overrated Van Dijk suffered at their hands, as we have witnessed.

From the opposition's standpoint, I am aware that this defeat will be more painful than their previous Uefa Champions League loss to Real Madrid. Even though Salah only had one goal, which was insufficient to get them a point, I was glad to see him lose on his return to Old Trafford. Before the game, Salah was asked by Sky Sports, "which teams does he see as potential title challengers?" He blatantly mentioned Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City while ignoring Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. He doesn't realize that just because United lost its first two games doesn't give him the right to write them off.

In a nutshell, Manchester United has demonstrated the fighting spirit that we have been seeking for a long time. They have won a match that will make us—the fans— forget about the recent events at the club. I know that if the team can maintain this momentum week in and week out, Manchester United will be the team to watch this season. Make no mistake, the addition of Casemiro to this resurgent team will give United a huge boost. I understand that for rival fans this may sound ridiculous, but I assure you that the best of United under ten Hag is yet to come.

Finally, I hope the manager will keep making daring choices by benching any player who has shown a lack of commitment. Besides, if you look closely, teams like City and, more lately, Arsenal, have all gotten rid of their egotistical players. So, as the management constantly says, it's time to bring in the "proper players." Therefore, it is up to the management, players, and fans to each contribute in their unique ways. This victory over the "bin dippers" should be a significant first step in Erik ten Hag's era.