Ronald Koeman says Liverpool boss Arne Slot was ‘lucky’ in 3-0 mauling of Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd
ARNE SLOT was “lucky” during Liverpool’s win over Manchester United, according to Ronald Koeman.
The Reds thrashed their rivals 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday to make it three wins from three in the Premier League this season.
Slot also maintained his 100 per cent start to life at Anfield, having succeeded Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
He signed a three-year deal on Merseyside through to the summer of 2027.
His latest test saw him come up against fellow Dutch boss Erik ten Hag in the United dugout.
However, a Luis Diaz brace and a goal from Mohamed Salah proved the difference as the visitors ran out comfortable winners.
The presence of two Dutch managers prompted reporters to ask Koeman about the match during his latest press conference as Netherlands boss.
Asked for his thoughts on the match, he said: “I watched because of the many Dutch players.
“But of course I also looked at it from a manager’s point of view, Arne Slot is doing a slightly better job.
“But if you have the front three that he has, you must realise you are lucky.”
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Slot was able to name an attacking trio of Diaz, Diogo Jota and Salah at Old Trafford.
It is a line-up he may not have at his disposal next season, though, after Salah dropped a huge hint over his future.
Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool
MANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.
Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.
But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?
Andre Onana – 5
Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error.
Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.
Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.
Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Casemiro – 2
A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.
He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4
Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.
Marcus Rashford – 3
Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.
Subs
Tom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5
A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.
Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5
Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.
Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5
Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.
Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/A
Not on long enough to make an impact.
Following the match, he told Sky Sports that he wanted to “enjoy the last year” after entering the final season of his Liverpool contract.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Salah has helped Slot make a perfect start to his new role.
Liverpool are currently second on goal difference behind Manchester City after three matches.
Meanwhile, Koeman is preparing for Nations League matches at home to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany over the international break.
He was involved in a heated press conference ahead of the matches, though, after slamming a journalist for their question about Memphis Depay.
The former Everton boss told the reporter to “show some respect” after he was asked about the decision to select the forward despite their underwhelming run of form.
Depay is also currently without a club after leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of last term.