Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United highlights as Liverpool demolished United
ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL — Liverpool produced a remarkable display to utterly demolish their bitter rivals Manchester United 7-0 and provide a significant boost to their top four hopes.
Cody Gakpo had given the Reds a slender one-goal lead just before the end of what had been an engrossing and largely even first half.
But the hosts simply found another gear in the second, with Gakpo grabbing a second, and Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah both scoring braces.
The rout was then completed in emotional fashion as Roberto Firmino – who this week confirmed he will depart the club at the end of this season – scored following his introduction as a late substitute.
Victory ensured Jurgen Klopp’s side moved within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham, while United’s slim title hopes were effectively ended by a harsh reminder of the work Erik ten Hag still has to do.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United result
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Liverpool | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Man Utd | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goals:
LIV — Gakpo — 43rd min
LIV — Nunez — 47th min
LIV — Gakpo — 50th min
LIV — Salah — 66th min
LIV — Nunez — 75th min
LIV — Salah — 83rd min
LIV — Firmino — 88th min
Liverpool fans get sneak peek of Klopp’s next great team
For so much of this season, Manchester United have looked like a team of the future while Liverpool’s best days have seemed behind them.
But this game confirmed that, while it has been a difficult campaign for the Reds, their struggles are partly down to the fact that Jurgen Klopp is busy building his next great side at Anfield.
Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo showed how key they will be in bagging braces, teenager Harvey Elliott justified his selection in central midfield with an all-action performance, and Ibrahima Konate was faultless at the back.
The age profiles of these players suggests that, even if there are teething problems along the way, the future is very bright at Liverpool.
Salah still a crucial cog for the Reds
Of course, while Liverpool are looking forward to build something special with a collection of new young stars, Mohamed Salah will stay have plenty say in what they achieve going forward.
The Egyptian was utterly magnificent here, tormenting the United defence ceaselessly en route to two goals and two assists.
Early in the season, there were question marks over whether he could justify last summer’s new contract, the most lucrative in the club’s history.
He is now onto 22 goals for the campaign, Liverpool’s top goalscorer in Premier League history, and worth every penny he is being paid.
Erik ten Hag still has plenty to do
Manchester United arrived at Anfield unbeaten in 12 games, with the League Cup having just been added to their trophy cabinet, and probably rather confident of turning over their rivals.
What followed was not just a disappointing defeat to an opponent who are back in the mix for a top-four finish but a hugely embarrassing thrashing.
For all the positive work Erik ten Hag has done this season, this was a reminder that he still has so much to do to turn United into a truly elite team.
The Dutchman will no doubt have huge concerns over the manner in which his team capitulated once the game got away from them.