3 things we learned from Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Liverpool

Liverpool’s poor start to the season got worse on Saturday when they recorded their second straight shutout loss. They had nothing going forward against Manchester United, who notched a comfortable 3-1 win despite not generating much in the way of scoring chances themselves.

The first half was among the most boring anywhere in top-level soccer this season, with absolutely nothing happening on either end. There was no pace, no creativity and a lot of people yelling at their televisions. A substitution or change of tactics was needed from both sides.

No one got the substitution they wanted when Louis van Gaal made a like-for-like switch, bringing on Ashley Young for Memphis Depay, but his team took the lead anyway. Daley Blind fired United in front, hitting a scorcher into the top corner from 15 yards after Liverpool failed to properly clear a set piece.

The Red Devils added to their tally 20 minutes later when Ander Herrera sprinted past Joe Gomez, and the young Liverpool defender hauled him down in the box. Herrera stepped up to the spot himself and converted, doubling United’s lead.

Liverpool didn’t look terribly capable of fighting back, but found some fight late in the game. Jordan Ibe forced a great save from David de Gea, and Liverpool capitalized just one minute later with one of the best goals you’ll ever see. Christian Benteke hit a sensational scissor volley into the top corner that resembled Wayne Rooney’s famous strike against Manchester City, cutting the deficit in half.

But United struck back instantly through the most expensive teenager in the history of world football, Anthony Martial. He skinned multiple defenders on the left flank before cutting inside and placing a shot to the back post to seal the result for his team.

Goals: Blind (49’), Herrera (penalty 70’), Martial (86’)

Goals: Benteke (84’)

1. All of us know nothing about anything. The collective groan let out by the soccer-watching populous when Depay was removed for Young wasn’t allowed to fester and turn into outright contempt for van Gaal, his substitution patterns, Manchester United and the sport in general. United took the lead four minutes later and looked comfortable in hanging onto it. Shows how much we know.

2. Joe Gomez is still 18. Of all of Liverpool’s new signings, no one has made more of a positive impact than Gomez, but he gave away the penalty with a bad foul. It’s a reminder that being 18 and playing in the Premier League is hard, and there will be growing pains, even if he’s one of the most mature 18-year-old defenders we’ve ever seen.

3. Brendan Rodgers is in deep trouble. Not just for losing two games in a row, but for the manner of the two losses. His team’s been completely outplayed and lacked discipline as much as they’ve lacked ideas. But he figured out how to turn around a team in trouble last season, and perhaps he can do it again.