ROUTED: Liverpool obliterate shambolic Man Utd 7-0

Liverpool reminded Manchester United they can still be a match for any Premier League team on their day, putting Erik ten Hag’s side to the sword with Cody Gakpo playing a starring role in a sensational 7-0 win.

Gakpo put the Reds in front moments before half-time, cutting in from the left and curling into the far corner of David de Gea’s net. United needed a response at the start of the second period, but instead it was the hosts who struck quickly as Darwin Nunez scored a scrappy second.

Just as the visitors prepared to mount a comeback, it was three as Gakpo’s deft finish rounded off a fluid counter-attack. It was already a hammering, but further goals from Mohamed Salah – twice – and Nunez put the cherry on top of the cake before Roberto Firmino added a seventh.

It is Liverpool’s biggest ever win against United, breaking a record which had stood for more than a century. Liverpool beat United 7-1 on October 12, 1895, but now there is a new high point.

After the two teams looked to suss each other out in the early stages, Antony drew the first save of the game from compatriot Alisson. Bruno Fernandes also went close for the visitors with a diving header, while the home side got forward well in the opening half-hour without creating too many clear-cut chances.

United had the ball in the net shortly before half-time, but Casemiro had strayed offside as he headed home a free-kick. Moments later it was David de Gea picking the ball out of his net, and this time the goal from Gakpo would stand.

Liverpool entered the game with three wins from their last four league games, and two goals early in the second period ensured it would be four from five long before Salah added gloss to the scoreline. There was still time for Nunez to head home Liverpool’s fifth, matching the margin of victory in last season’s trip to Old Trafford.

The result all but ends United’s slim title hopes, while keeping Liverpool well in the mix for a return to the top four come May. Here are Mirror Football’s talking points from a statement-making win for Jurgen Klopp and his team.