Premier League: Liverpool thrashes Man Utd 4-0 to grab first spot

Mohamed Salah scored twice in a 4-0 hammering of Manchester United on Tuesday, lifting Liverpool to the top of the Premier League for the second time this season.

Liverpool exposed the massive gulf between the sides with Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane also on target as Jurgen Klopp’s side won 5-0 at Old Trafford in October, and expectations of a similar rout were well-founded as Liverpool exposed the massive gulf between the sides with Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane also on target.

Liverpool has moved two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but the English champions still need to lose one of their last seven league games to win the title.

In contrast to the razor-thin margins that separate Liverpool and City, a 22-point gap now exists between the league leaders and United in sixth place, with only Tottenham and Arsenal’s own misfortunes keeping the Red Devils in contention for the Champions League next season.

Ralf Rangnick, United’s interim manager, predicted what would happen to his team if they continued to defend like they did in a 3-2 home win over bottom-of-the-table Norwich on Saturday.

As part of the German’s attempt to repair the vulnerabilities in United’s defence, Phil Jones, who hasn’t played in the Premier League since January 2020, was recalled as part of a back five.

The guests, on the other hand, were cut open in less than five minutes.

Salah was picked up in acres of space by Mane’s through ball, and he found Diaz to finish from close range.

In a display of support for Cristiano Ronaldo, the strong rivalry between English football’s two most successful clubs was put aside two minutes later.

After disclosing on Monday that his newborn baby son had died, the Portuguese superstar was missing for United.

Fans stood for a minute of appreciation on all sides of Anfield, as Liverpool fans chanted their own song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

The one-way traffic on the field continued, with United hardly able to move out of their own half.

A second Liverpool goal felt inescapable, and when it came, it was spectacular.

Mane lofted a first-time pass over the top for Salah after Joel Matip fizzed the ball into his foot.

The Egyptian had not scored in open play for Liverpool since February, but he showed no signs of nervousness as he cushioned the ball into his path and tapped low past David de Gea.

Before halftime, Diaz completed another beautiful team play only to be flagged offside.

United took a breather at halftime, and thanks to the entrance of Jadon Sancho, they improved significantly after the interval.

As Alisson Becker spread out to prevent Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga, the England winger created the visitors’ one huge chance to go back into the game.

Liverpool are currently just 10 games away from becoming the first team to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup all in the same season.

With their dangerous collection of forwards all in good form, they look prepared to pounce on any City stumbling blocks in the final weeks.

Mane calmly guided home the third from Diaz’s cross to put an end to United’s hopes of a comeback.

Salah then increased his season tally to 30, with five goals coming in two meetings against United when he hoisted the ball over De Gea from Diogo Jota’s pass five minutes from time.

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