Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scored twice as the Reds crushed Manchester United 4-0 at Anfield on Tuesday night.
United were largely second-best all through the encounter with Luis Diaz grabbing the opener as early as the fourth minute after a brilliant assist by Salah.
It got worse for them after an injured Paul Pogba had to be substituted in the 10th minute and replaced by Jesse Lingard.
Like a hot knife through butter, Sadio Mane’s cheeky pass sliced through United’s defence to set up Salah for the second goal in the 22nd minute.
Thiago Alcantara was at the center of everything good for Liverpool as he pulled the strings from the midfield, giving defence-splitting passes, subtle dribbles and entertaining movements off the ball.
Although the Red Devils came in better in the second half, it was Liverpool who grabbed another goal in the 68th minute through Sadio Mane. The Senegalese received a pass from Diaz before he slotted home from afar to beat David De Gea to his left.
United never looked like getting a goal as Liverpool’s defence kept their rare attacks at bay. Their major chance came in the 64th minute with Marcus Rashford forcing a save from Alisson Becker in goal for Liverpool.
Liverpool would put the final nail in the coffin after Diogo Jota, who replaced Diaz, assisted Salah to get the fourth goal.
Manchester United were without Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently lost his baby son. Fans of both sides showed some solidarity in the seventh minute, rising to applaud the Portuguese star.
Liverpool lead the Premier League table with 76 points, two points above Manchester City, who can reclaim their top spot in their match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
United are sixth with 54 points, level with Arsenal, who have played two games less.
