ERIK'S HARD DIAZ NIGHT

Boos for Ten Hag as Luis double shakes Red Devils

- John Cross

THE early-season optimism has disappeared from Old Trafford already.

It was ruthlessly stripped away by Liverpool to leave Manchester United facing all their old problems.

The last thing Erik ten Hag needed was his brave new world to be tested just three games into the campaign.

And this felt like two teams heading in different directions, with Arne Slot making a seamless start since taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Mo Salah set another record by becoming the first visiting player to score in seven consecutive games at Old Trafford, while Luis Diaz was simply sensational.

But all of United's old faults were there. Casemiro, right, was hooked at half-time after being horribly at fault for both of Diaz's goals. The home crowd booed when Ten Hag substituted Alejandro Garnacho and they barracked Marcus Rashford when when he failed to track back.

It was a bold decision to stick with the Dutch manager this season. However, after two defeats in their opening three games, the fans voted with their feet.