Mohamed Salah doubled the lead in the 36th minute, outmaneuvering United’s Toby Collyer on the touchline and delivering a precise low cross for Curtis Jones to finish.
The third goal came in the 61st minute when Konstantinos Tsimikas pounced on a loose ball, scoring after Andre Onana couldn’t hold Diogo Jota’s first-time shot.
For Manchester United, the night was marred by a serious injury to young defender Will Fish, who was stretchered off after a clash with Harvey Blair. United’s tour concludes with defeats to both Premier League sides they faced, following a loss to Arsenal and a win over Real Betis.
Like Liverpool, United will be welcoming back several key players after Euro 2024 and Copa America commitments once they resume training.
At times, Liverpool were exceptional, moving the ball with impressive speed and precision.
They started the game with high, fast pressing and committed numerous players forward, capitalizing on Manchester United’s unforced errors.
Mohamed Salah seemed particularly sharp, Curtis Jones was active in midfield, and both Caoimhin Kelleher and his replacement, Vitezslav Jaros, made crucial saves when needed.
With speculation about Kelleher’s potential departure before the transfer window closes, Jaros’ decisive stops against Ethan Wheatley and Scott McTominay would have been reassuring for manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s tour results, which also include victories over Arsenal and Betis, put Slot in a strong position as he approaches the final two weeks of pre-season—exactly what he hoped for upon succeeding Jurgen Klopp in May.
“We are very happy with the result. We scored some really nice goals, but I don’t think we had enough control over the game because United threatened us more than a few times,” Slot commented. “It’s a 3-0 win, but the score could have been different tonight. At half-time, United must have wondered how they were behind.”
Despite Liverpool’s lead, United created genuine goal-scoring opportunities. Mason Mount played intelligently in the number 10 role, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford attacked from the flanks, and 20-year-old Toby Collyer made runs into the box.
However, Erik ten Hag’s side faltered at critical moments in both penalty areas. Casemiro and Collyer were at fault for Liverpool’s goals, while United’s attackers squandered clear chances. Diallo missed a close-range header from Mount’s cross and later shot over the bar from a chance provided by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is reportedly close to a move to West Ham.
Kelleher denied Mount twice and tipped a misdirected Rashford effort over the bar. The missed opportunities continued after the break, and the team’s momentum waned with substitutions.
While Ten Hag has a new contract, United’s performance suggests they have more to prove if they want to show last season’s eighth-place finish was an anomaly. They face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday.