Watch: Man Utd inches away from conceding the most comical OG

Manchester United put in a much-improved performance during the first half of their Premier League match against Liverpool and deservedly led 1-0 at the break – but they were still only inches away from conceding the most comical own-goal of living memory. 

United had entered the season with optimism under new manager Erik ten Hag but shambolic defeats against Brighton and Brentford left the club bottom of the league.

Something had to change against arch-rivals Liverpool and Ten Hag ran the changes before the Old Trafford clash. Out went Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Fred with Antony Elanga, Scott McTominay, Tyrell Malacia and Raphael Varane replacing them.

And Ten Hag was rewarded with a strong start as United tore into Liverpool. Elanga hit the post before Jadon Sancho scored a composed finish to send the United faithful into raptures.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were extremely underwhelming – they were also yet to win a Premier League fixture before Monday’s match – but almost took an undeserved equaliser into the break following some shambolic United defending.

After a header from James Milner from a Liverpool corner, Bruno Fernandes swung his boot at the ball but sliced it back towards his own net.

New signing Lisandro Martinez, who has come under much criticism for his disappointing early-season form, stopped the ball going over the line with an improvised clearance but United still needed two attempts at clearing the ball as panic set in.

It showed that, despite the much-improved display, that confidence remains skittish amongst the United players and the Stretford End breathed a huge sigh of relief.

United are looking to avenge two heavy defeats – 5-0 and 4-0 – against Liverpool last season.

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