Liverpool showcased their Premier League title ambitions with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United in a pre-season friendly at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Arne Slot enjoyed a successful start to his Liverpool managerial reign, with Fábio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas finding the back of the net. The win served as a stark warning to Erik ten Hag's side ahead of the upcoming season.
Although Manchester United displayed moments of promising football in the first half, they struggled to capitalise on a number of opportunities. The absence of Rasmus Højlund, sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury, proved costly as the Red Devils failed to make the most of their attacking chances.
Jadon Sancho, deployed as the central striker for the second consecutive match, failed to make an impact, leaving Ten Hag with a difficult decision regarding his starting lineup for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City. The Dutchman will also be concerned about the availability of Harry Maguire, who was omitted from the squad as a precaution.
Mohamed Salah's involvement in the match provided a positive note for Liverpool supporters. The Egyptian forward looked sharp and provided a crucial assist for Jones' second goal in front of a record-breaking crowd of 77,559 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Liverpool took a two-goal lead into half-time, with Carvalho opening the scoring after expertly beating Casemiro and slotting the ball past André Onana. Jones doubled the advantage shortly after, tapping in a cross from Salah.
Despite chances for Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, and Sancho, Manchester United's profligacy in front of goal allowed Liverpool to dictate the tempo.
The Reds added a third goal early in the second half, with Tsimikas capitalising on Onana's parried save to score from close range.
While Liverpool finished their pre-season tour with a clean sheet and a dominant victory, Ten Hag faces a number of questions ahead of Manchester United's first competitive fixture. He will need to find a way to address his side's lack of clinical finishing and resolve the injury concerns in his squad ahead of the Community Shield clash.