Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool: 5 talking points as Red Devils get humiliated at home | Premier League 2021-22

Manchester United vs Liverpool - Premier League
Manchester United vs Liverpool - Premier League

Liverpool handed Manchester United one of their worst-ever Premier League defeats as they beat Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's side 5-0 at Old Trafford. Naby Keita and Diogo Jota gave the Reds an early advantage before Mohamed Salah took centrestage with a sumptuous hat-trick.

The visitors were on the front foot right from the get-go. Keita opened the scoring in the fifth minute to give the Reds a well-deserved lead. Klopp's side then sunk the Red Devils with three more unanswered first-half goals.

Salah soon added another after the break to become the first-ever visiting player to score a hat-trick at Old Trafford in Premier League history. After that, it was just game management from Klopp's side as they passed the ball effortlessly against a lacklustre Manchester United side.

On that note, here's a look at the five biggest talking points from the game:


#5 How bad can it get for Manchester United?

Manchester United vs Liverpool - Premier League
Manchester United vs Liverpool - Premier League

It is fair to say that it has never been worse than this for Manchester United. The Red Devils were 4-0 down in the first half for the first time in Premier League history, and they looked absolutely clueless throughout the game.

United's press was disorganised, and they weren't able to attack efficiently with the very little possession they managed.

Solksjaer's side are now on one of their worst-ever defensive runs, managing just one clean sheet in their last 21 games across competitions. United have not kept a clean sheet in 12 home games now across competitions.

This wasn’t just about a horrible no-show from Solskjaer's side; this was about their arch-rivals coming to Old Trafford and making it look like child's play.


#4 Liverpool's Naby Keita suffers yet another injury setback

Naby Keita got injured against Manchester United.
Naby Keita got injured against Manchester United.

Naby Keita truly showcased his all-round abilities in this game to the fullest. He started brightly as the most advanced member of Liverpool's midfield three. The midfielder made no mistake in finishing off Mohamed Salah's sublime pass just five minutes into the game. That marked Liverpool's quickest-ever goal at Old Trafford.

Eight minutes later, he supplied an exquisite delivery to Trent Alexander Arnold for Liverpool's second. He then bagged an assist for Salah's first goal of the night. The 26-year old has now scored three goals this season, after going goalless for the entirety of last campaign.

However, as has often been the case during his time at Liverpool, Keita suffered yet another injury setback, courtesy of a reckless Paul Pogba challenge in the second half. Jurgen Klopp will surely hope he is back soon given how pivotal he has been for the Reds this season.

#3 Ibrahima Konate proves his mettle for Liverpool

Ibrahima Konate starred against Manchester United.
Ibrahima Konate starred against Manchester United.

Liverpool struggled with a lack of central-defensive depth for the entirety of last campaign. The Reds then went on to buy Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for a fee of £36 million in the summer to address that shortcoming.

However, eyebrows were raised when the 22-year-old was given the nod ahead of Joel Matip at the heart of Liverpool's defence. But considering the quality the centre-half showcased on the day, it's fair to say Liverpool's money was well spent.

The centre-back was faultless throughout the game, winning most of his duels, thanks to his immense physical presence. Not to mention, his reading of the game was absolutely phenomenal for a 22-year-old. A few quick step-outs to win the ball, a couple of good aerial wins, and a few decent passes out as Manchester United struggle to live up with him.


#2 Is this what dreams are made of?

Manchester United vs Liverpool - Premier League
Manchester United vs Liverpool - Premier League

It was brilliant; it was emphatic; it was vintage Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's side absolutely dismantled their biggest rivals on the latter's turf.

Despite United's recent struggles and Liverpool's resurgence, this fixture has often been a pretty turgid affair in recent years. Seven of the last 12 games between these two sides ended in 0-0 or 1-1. But it was a different story on Sunday.

Liverpool went on to put on an absolute show at their biggest rivals' home. The Reds scored four first-half goals to put United out of their misery and the game to bed.

With Klopp's men now just one point off the top, putting up performances like that week in and week out, this was a statement of intent as good as it could get.


#1 Mohamed Salah is unstoppable

Manchester United vs Liverpool - Mohamed Salah
Manchester United vs Liverpool - Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is without a doubt one of the best wingers in Premier League history. The Egyptian magician has racked up goals and assists at a blistering pace since his arrival in the Premier League four years ago.

Nevertheless, it seems he has taken his game to an altogether different level this season. The Liverpool forward has racked up ten league goals already to his name. He currently averages more than a goal a game, and his form is only getting better and better.

The Egyptian was virtually unplayable as he scored a sensational hat-trick to sink United. Salah was on another level compared to every other player on the pitch, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who endured only the second 5-0 defeat of his career.

In the space of 90 minutes, he became the first player to score a hat-trick at Old Trafford since Brazilian Ronaldo in 2003. Salah also became the highest-scoring African player in Premier League history, overtaking Didier Drogba (104).

Since joining Liverpool, Salah has not stopped breaking records. Expect more to be broken in the near future.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now