Fabio Carvalho opened the scoring early on when he turned past a helpless Casemiro and put the ball into the far corner, with Andre Onana doing his trademark 'watch the ball fly into the corner without diving' move. It wasn't too long after that when Mohamed Salah beat his man and teed up Curtis Jones , who had broken forward from midfield to tap into an open goal from a couple of yards out.
Kostas Tsimikas made the result comfortable when he added a third around the hour mark and that margin of lead was all that Liverpool deserved. Manchester United had some chances but there was a clear gap between the sides.
Carvalho has scored two goals in three games this summer so he can't really do a great deal more. If he was going to give himself any chance at all of having a future at Anfield , things had to go right for Carvalho this summer. So far, it would be fair to say that they have — though whether it will be enough remains to be seen.
Losers
Ibrahima Konate has a fight on his hands to regain his spot in the team from Jarell Quansah but on this evidence, the pecking order won't have changed just yet. Konate was shifted across to the left side but he didn't look that comfortable in possession. There is still sharpness to be regained for him.
Player ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher (7). Made a couple of good saves from Mason Mount early in the game. He was busier than Liverpool would have liked him to be but did well with everything that was thrown at him.
Conor Bradley (6). Arne Slot wasn't too pleased to see him boot the ball out for a throw-in at one stage but it was a pretty good showing overall from the full-back. He got up and down the wing and could have done more in a couple of promising positions.
Jarell Quansah (7). Good on the ball and really cool and confident throughout. He looked like the senior option at center-back and can be pleased with his performance.
Ibrahima Konate (6). Playing on the left side of the center-back partnership, he gave the ball away cheaply a couple of times early on and should have been punished at least once. He grew into the game a bit and was solid enough defensively, playing 45 minutes.
Kostas Tsimikas (6). Started brightly when he had a couple of runs into opposition territory but his attacking influence waned as the first 45 minutes went on. Dealt with Amad Diallo quite well and scored a rare goal.
Harvey Elliott (6). Quieter than against Arsenal, for sure, but still involved. He clearly enjoys playing as a number 10 though he wasn't afforded as much space in this match.
Curtis Jones (7). Gave the ball away too easily at times but is still getting used to playing a deeper role. He popped up with a goal and generally did well in the middle. There were still plenty of occasions where he played a bit part in the build-up.
Ryan Gravenberch (6). Looked a little flimsy at times and struggled to get into the match, though there were a couple of good turns. More consistency will hopefully come as he continues to gain sharpness.
Mohamed Salah (7). Arguably the sharpest of any Liverpool player so far this summer, the Egyptian had Harry Amass on toast a few times including when he set up Jones' close-range goal. It's really promising... and should point to a new contract being signed.
Diogo Jota (6). A pretty quiet showing (though he will get an assist for Carvalho's opener). Classic Jota, really! He didn't do much but was decisive in a way.
Fabio Carvalho (7). Scored a nice goal when he turned Casemiro inside out and looked lively. Still a lot to do before he gets anywhere near a Premier League game but he couldn't really be doing much more.
Substitutes
Vitezslav Jaros (45') (7). Made a great stop from Scott McTominay and showed some good footwork. A pretty strong showing from the young goalkeeper.
Sepp van den Berg (45') (6). Gave the ball away in a couple of dangerous areas. He was always going to be taken out of the starting XI when more senior options returned.
Trey Nyoni (59') (7). Didn't look out of place again and always demanding the ball. Impressive from the 17-year-old, who will have learned loads while away in the USA. One crossfield pass was brilliant to the feet of Doak. He played with a swagger.
Ben Doak (65') (6). Willing to run at his marker at every opportunity but lacking a final touch for a goal or an assist. That will come in time and he is lovely to watch with the ball at his feet.
Harvey Blair (65') (6). On the end of a bad tackle when Will Fish clattered into him and caused a few problems. Sharp, quick and looks physically stronger than when he has previously been with the first team.
Luke Chambers (65') (6). Didn't have loads to do when he came on. Strong and confident and didn't look fazed.
Tyler Morton (65') (6). Showed a few decent touches. Got through plenty of running.
Nat Phillips (65') (6). Strong in the tackle but Manchester United was lacking much in the way of any threat. Easy for him, really.
Stefan Bajcetic (65') (6). Silky in possession and continues to find his way back into the team. His quality will shine through when he is 100 per cent again.
Wataru Endo (65') (6). Barely noticed him on the field as he didn't have a great amount of influence. Telling that he wasn't involved in the starting XI again despite the lack of a number six.
Luca Stephenson (65') (6). Did fine and played a few good passes. Has done himself no harm during his appearances in pre-season.
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