Erik ten Hag is finally off the mark as Manchester United beat a woeful Liverpool side 2-1

Erik ten Hag tasted victory for the first time as his Manchester United side got the better of Liverpool at Old Trafford. 

United produced a much better showing than they did in their first two league games against Brighton and Brentford. 

The first big chance fell to Anthony Elanga after a square ball found the Swedish youngster in acres of space, with only Alisson to beat, he managed to place his shot onto the post, Liverpool were all over the place at that point.

In the 15th minute, United went ahead after some mesmerising skills inside the Liverpool box by Jadon Sancho allowed him space to finish expertly beyond the reach of Reds keeper Alisson. There were some very questionable defending by Jurgen Klopp’s men, especially Virgil van Dijk, who received an earful from James Milner moments after United went in front.

Liverpool took back a bit of control towards the end of the first half and they could have been level after a rash clearance from Bruno Fernandes nearly went into the back of David de Gea’s net. Luckily for Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez was there to block the ball. 

In the second half, Ten Hag decided to throw on Anthony Martial for Elanga. 

The decision by the Dutchman paid off as he played a vital role in United’s second goal. 

After an awful touch in the centre of the park by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, Martial took the ball away from Van Dijk and drove towards the Liverpool back line. 

Marcus Rashford was up in support and the Frenchman found him with an inch perfect through ball. Rashford took it well into his stride before calmly finishing pass Alisson.

After a VAR check for a positive offside, Old Trafford erupted as United found themselves 2-0 up against last year’s Premier League and Champions League runners up.

Liverpool got one back in the 81st minute through Mohamed Salah, who headed in from close range after Fabio Carvalho was denied by De Gea.

It was a much needed confidence boosting win for Ten Hag as they got their first win of the season. As a result of the victory, United go above Liverpool in the league table. 

With their injury list mounting and the end of the transfer window fast approaching. Klopp’s side are 16th and yet to win a game. Worrying times for Liverpool fans. 

Liverpool's next match will be back at Anfield, where they will host newly promoted side, Bournemouth.