Liverpool scatter Man U by record margin

Mueez Ajao

– Liverpool delivered the complete performance and Mohamed Salah became the club’s record Premier League goalscorer as Manchester United were overwhelmed at a joyous Anfield.

More Reds history written by @MoSalah 💫 pic.twitter.com/E6WZ0IEzT2
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 5, 2023

– United’s renaissance under manager Erik ten Hag already has the tangible reward of the Carabao Cup but Liverpool unleashed a brutal reality check on their progress with a severe thrashing.

– Liverpool took control of what had been a tight game, with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford missing presentable chances, when former Old Trafford target Cody Gakpo applied a smooth finish to Andy Robertson’s perfect pass two minutes before the break.

Also Read: Man United boss Ten Hag says his players are ready for Anfield atmosphere

– The second half was a tale of sheer joy for Liverpool and unrelenting misery for United, starting after 47 minutes when Darwin Nunez’s header diverted Harvey Elliott’s driven cross past goalkeeper David de Gea.

– Salah bamboozled Lisandro Martinez to play in Gakpo for another classy finish three minutes later before the Egyptian resumed his long-time role of United tormentor by getting on the scoresheet himself.

– Salah ended a swift counter-attack by lashing a finish high past De Gea and the rout continued as Nunez flashed another header in from Jordan Henderson’s cross.

– Salah then scrambled in the sixth to become Liverpool’s highest Premier League goalscorer with 129, passing Robbie Fowler. He is also Liverpool’s highest marksman against Manchester United with 11 – and 10 of those have come in his past five encounters.

– And in a fitting finish, Roberto Firmino – who has announced he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season – completed a remarkable game by making it 7-0 from close range.

– Liverpool are now an ominous presence in the chase for the Champions League places, standing only three points behind Tottenham with a game in hand.