With a stunning 7-0 victory over Erik ten Hag’s team, Liverpool served as a timely reminder to Manchester United that they can still compete with any Premier League team on their best days. Cody Gakpo played a key role in the victory.
Just before halftime, Gakpo gave the Reds the lead by cutting in from the left and curling the ball into the far corner of David de Gea’s goal. At the start of the second half, United needed a response, but the hosts soon responded with a scruffy second goal from Darwin Nunez.
Gakpo’s skillful finish completed a swift counterattack just as the visitors were getting ready to attempt a comeback, making it three. 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
