That was the story of this sensational 2-1 win, which completely changes the mood around these two great rivals. United are reviving, fueled by the electric charge of their own acceleration. Liverpool are forced into reverse as they struggle to keep up, and potentially force themselves into a crisis of their own. Jurgen Klopp’s side looked very light as Ten Hag got all his big calls right. This was not only true of the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire to the bench, but also the removal of a reborn Anthony Martial just as his side looked to be on the way out. He brought on Marcus Rashford and the similarly inspired striker put the game beyond doubt. Old Trafford, already raging in protest against the owners, was now rocking with celebration and hope. Perhaps this is the true beginning of the Ten Hag era. Maybe it’s just an emotionally challenging response to desperate circumstances. The key is that they can look up again. Klopp does not have that luxury, or perhaps the comfort. He needs reassurance as he suddenly feels that nothing is certain for his team. Klopp could have indicated his own team selections, but most of them were imposed, despite his selection. However, this middle line seems like a real mistake. It wasn’t just Sancho’s legs that Milner struggled to keep up with. That’s why this goal was so much more than a confused change of direction. It was an exhausting change of pace. That was one reason why Milner, Alisson and most of the Liverpool squad were so wrong. They struggled to match United’s energy and aggression as Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes – in particular – were on top of almost every ball. It was the Portuguese’s quick thinking that really challenged his side, sending the game much higher up the pitch with an inventive ball that looked more like a drilled volley. Liverpool almost managed to get away from the chaos that had ensued, only for Fernandes to then send the ball into the box when everyone was expecting a shot or pass inside. Anthony Elanga played at the back and Sancho played a complete defense for fools. United’s lead was more than deserved, especially given the way Elanga had hit the post early on. The only possible caveat was that their game plan was entirely based on tempo. They couldn’t hesitate or be in doubt the way they did against Brighton and Brentford because they just didn’t give themselves that time to think. De Gea was now walking up the pitch. Raphael Varane so maturely set the pace, Martinez set the tone. It’s just that once that energy inevitably ran out, Liverpool finally took over. Of course it led to their best spells. It also led to a second inspired call from Ten Hag. Martial – who many around United believe could be the manager’s big individual ‘project’ this season – was introduced and provided just enough of a boost. The French striker, whose name was first made in this game, may well have rebuilt his reputation with a touch. It was Martial’s ball that took out Liverpool’s entire backline just after half-time, setting up Rashford for a one-on-one. On any other occasion in the last six minutes, including the opening game against Brighton, many would have expected the striker to hesitate, stop and miss the chance. Not a bit of it. There was no doubting Rashford as he thundered the ball past Alisson before the Liverpool man had a chance to think. Marcus Rashford after the goal (Getty) Another little reflection of the night. United obviously couldn’t keep up the pace again, but now they didn’t need to. They just had to stay strong on defense, stay honest. This was aided by some admittedly cheesy play. Fernandez and Martinez got right into it. Varane now slowed down. Liverpool were inevitably enjoying one of their best spells. They had no choice. Mohamed Salah scored his goal. Liverpool still couldn’t get back into it. United move past it immediately, Klopp left with just two points from three games and so many questions. How quickly things change, but mainly because Ten Haag secured his United – for what it was – such an impressive acceleration.
