Slot hails ‘dominant’ Liverpool performance against Manchester United

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was delighted with his team’s dominance in the 3-0 win over Manchester United.

The Reds were on fine form against their arch-rivals at Old Trafford, with Luis Diaz scoring a brace and Mohamed Salah getting his usual goal on enemy grounds.

Erik ten Hag’s side had no answer to the possession-based style Slot has implemented on Merseyside so far, and it was a perfect performance from his side, who maintained their perfect record.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said: “The first few minutes, United started aggressive and we had to fight our way through the period.

“If you go to Old Trafford we know there will be tough moments. After scoring a great goal which was disallowed we kept on playing as we were before. A deserved win I think.

“There is not a specific game plan from the back, we always want to press the opponent high. The game plan – Dominik [Szoboszlai] played from the right, but today we played him from the left.

“Last season Man Utd were man-marking on the midfield, this season they are on a nine and ten press with a 4-4-2. In my opinion they are working harder when the ball is played through them so they run more – that is what I saw in the first games from them.

“For us, there’s still a lot to prove”

Arne Slot isn’t getting carried away following Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/s9XS8crENx

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 1, 2024

“Today we showed a lot of moments where the forwards tracked back so aggressively and that is what we need if you want to win these games.”

Man United simply did not turn up for the big occasion and it meant Liverpool could step off the gas after going 3-0 up.

Realistically, it could have been more had it not been for some wasteful finishing from the Reds.

Slot added: “All of them [games so far] mean a lot. The first one was my first as Liverpool manager and the second was my first home game.

“This was my first big win. They showed me in the last weeks that they can work so hard. We were so dominant with the ball and play a midfield of three.

“If you’ve got Cody Gakpo on the bench and Darwin Nunez and Chiesa coming up. it’s what’s needed at this level. The midfield kept on running and that was great to see.”

Liverpool fans will have to wait to see their team in action again until the international break.

When the players return from their duties, they will face Nottingham Forest at Anfield.