MANCHESTER, England (AP) — It was a very good day for Manchester United, whose revival under Erik ten Hag is really taking shape.
As if victory against Manchester City in the 189th Manchester derby wasn’t enough for fans rejoicing at Old Trafford on Saturday, there was bonus news a few hours later when Liverpool was stunned by Brighton 3-0 in the English Premier League.
Beating City 2-1 strengthened the rising belief that Ten Hag is turning the fortunes around for the 20-time English champion.
It might be too soon for the Dutchman to mount a genuine league title challenge this season, but the improvement at United to record nine straight wins in all competitions is evident.
City took the lead in the second half through substitute Jack Grealish, but Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford secured a come-from-behind win for the home team.
United was 10 points clear of its fiercest rival Liverpool, which suffered a sixth league loss at Brighton, and first there since 1961.
Solly March scored twice and substitute Danny Welbeck added a third for Brighton.
Jurgen Klopp’s team faces a fight just to qualify for the Champions League after this latest blow, which left Liverpool seven points off fourth-placed Newcastle.
“Everything went wrong from the start to the end. Brighton were better than us in all departments. It’s a real low point as a team,” Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said. “It’s a tough moment but we need to get together, stay together, and try to change things quickly. We have to try to learn and show a reaction.”