
Liverpool exposed Man United's defensive frailties as the pressure piles on Solsjkaer.
After an optimistic summer transfer window, bringing in promising winger Sancho, experienced centre back Varane; and the return of club legend Ronaldo, the prospect of winning a trophy for the first time since 2017 was undoubtedly the common goal amongst the club. However, a disappointing performance at The King Power saw their long unbeaten away record in tatters. In midweek, they narrowly managed to recover from 2-0 down before clawing back to claim a 3-2 win. Meanwhile, Liverpool came into the game having not lost in all competitions since the 6th of April.
And it didn't take Liverpool long to expose the United defence as Salah threaded Keita in who put the away side ahead. It wasn't long before the advantage was doubled, this time Trent Alexander-Arnold feeding Jota who converted from 6 yards out. A nightmare start for United who found themselves 2 behind within just 13 minutes. A storming 1st half from Liverpool only continued, this time Keita the provider for Salah who's quick reactions left him able to convert for Liverpool's 3rd and Salah's 1st of the evening. And Liverpool showed no signs of sparing United's blushes as Salah's 2nd left the hosts 4-0 down at the half time interval, with the Red Devils being more angelic than devilish.
At half time, Solsjkaer introduced Pogba in place of Greenwood who made an immediate impact but unfortunately at the wrong end of the pitch as he lost out to Henderson who found Salah to complete his hattrick and put the hosts 5-0 down, prompting floods of fans to leave the Old Trafford in disappointment. However, Maguire and United seemingly made a positive impact at the right end of the pitch as Maguire, who's come under fire from United fans after a run of poor performances, floated a ball over to Ronaldo who thought he'd scored a consolation; only for it to be ruled out for offside. To make things worse for the hosts, Pogba faced a straight red for his tackle on Keita who was stretchered off as a result.
For United, a disappointing evening as they remain without a Premier League win since the 19th of September and with just one clean sheet this season. They fall to 7th as they already begin to lose ground on the top 3. Next up, they visit a turbulent Tottenham in what could be a decisive game for Solsjkaer (If he is still at the helm). Pressure grows on Solskjaer but should the Norwegian carry the can?
Meanwhile, Liverpool sit 2nd and remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League. The reds host high flying Brighton next up in the Premier League as they look to extend their unbeaten run.
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