Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Loss to Reds Puts More Pressure on David Moyes

Wayne Rooney has a head injury and will be out several weeks, according to the Guardian. David Moyes has yet to make his first significant signing before the transfer window closes Monday, and Manchester United lost to Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield, 1-0.

It's not the end of the world for Moyes, but it's not a great beginning to his world at Old Trafford, either.

The pressure swirling around Moyes' head has been there since he first took over for Sir Alex Ferguson in the offseason. Whether it has been the Rooney saga, fans clamoring for a big signing or United's first loss in the 2013-14 Premier League campaign on Sunday, the 50-year-old is surely feeling the weight of high expectations on his shoulders.

United's loss on Sunday, courtesy of a goal by the red-hot Daniel Sturridge, shouldn't be blown out of proportion, but there are plenty of people who will make it so. Losing at Anfield, no less to a club that is now 3-0 in the EPL, is nothing to hang your head about.

Nonetheless, United's offense didn't wake up until the second half, and even then it couldn't score. Plus, its defense was the biggest concern. At one point, Nemanja Vidic almost gave a goal to Liverpool, with a flubbed back-hit that David de Gea fortunately cleared before Glen Johnson could find the net.

Also, United has won 20 EPL titles throughout its history. That includes a title last season. Moyes is taking over for Ferguson, a historic manager. Fans could look at this as a transition period for Moyes, but high expectations get in the way of that. There will be no "transition period" for Moyes—just an onslaught of cries when United loses.

Another thing to keep in mind: United didn't have Rooney on Sunday. That's not a ho-hum absence.

And, yes, Liverpool didn't have Luis Suarez, but have you seen how the Reds have played without the volatile 26-year-old? Some believe he should have been sent packing this transfer window. You could make the argument that Liverpool has been more fluid without Suarez. The same can't be said for United without Rooney.

Fans needs to ease up on Moyes just a bit in the early going.

Then again, that's easier said than done.