Liverpool proved their readiness to make a top four finish as they thrashed Carabao Cup winners Manchester United 7-0. Former Manchester United target Gakpo was on target as he opened the scoring in the first half of the game.
The player who was in United’s wanted list before he moved to Liverpool in January scored two in the game. Nunez demonstrated his growing threat with a double while Mohamed Salah scored two as well ensure his scoring record against United continues.
There was even the perfect finale of a goal in front of the Kop for Firmino, who announced on Friday he would end a great Liverpool career at the conclusion of this season. Liverpool head coach Klopp resisted a fist pump celebration in front of the Kop but for him, this day could not have gone any better.
In seven days, Manchester United have gone from the high of their first trophy since 2017 with the Carabao Cup win against Newcastle United at Wembley to the pain of abject humiliation at Anfield in the hands of Liverpool.
Manchester United were right in this game for 43 minutes, with their skipper Fernandes and Rashford missing their best two chances before Gakpo scored and the sky fell in on them. United have had a heavy programme of fixtures but the manner in which they won was like a message to Real Madrid. The victory and score line is an embarrassment for not just the manager, but the players and fans are all included.
Argentine defender Martinez, normally so reliable and combative, was taken apart, especially when Mohamed Salah led him a merry dance to set up Gakpo for his second goal.
To lose against Liverpool is a painful business at any time but to be on the receiving end of what was a record defeat in this fixture will send shock waves through Old Trafford. They must have thought it could not get worse than the 5-0 home thrashing last season – but this was and was inflicted in front of an ecstatic Anfield.
Manchester United must now lick their wounds and return to Europa League action at home to Spanish La Liga side Real Betis on Thursday and those wounds will hurt after this beating at the home of their arch-rivals.