Liverpool reminded Manchester United they can still be a match for any Premier League team on their day, putting Erik ten Hag's side to the sword with Cody Gakpo playing a starring role in a sensational 7-0 win.
Gakpo put the Reds in front moments before half-time, cutting in from the left and curling into the far corner of David de Gea's net. United needed a response at the start of the second period, but instead it was the hosts who struck quickly as Darwin Nunez scored a scrappy second.
Just as the visitors prepared to mount a comeback, it was three as Gakpo's deft finish rounded off a fluid counter-attack. 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. Here are Mirror Football's talking points from a statement-making win for Jurgen Klopp and his team.
1. Gakpo's sliding doors moment
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In another timeline, Cody Gakpo might have been lining up for Manchester United in this fixture. The Dutchman was a target for the Old Trafford club over the summer but eventually stayed put at PSV Eindhoven for a few more months before joining Netherlands team-mate Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.
The forward has taken some time to show his best form in Liverpool Red, but there have been positive signs since he opened his account against Liverpool. So much so that, once he found space for a shot late in the first half, the outcome seemed inevitable.
Things might have felt even more painful when United fans considered who they did add to their ranks in January. Wout Weghorst was ineffective in attack as his wait for a Premier League goal goes on, and he was hooked early on during an afternoon to forget.
2. Robertson refreshed
Andy Robertson hasn't consistently been at his best this season, but a night off against Wolves appeared to reinvigorate the Scotland international. He returned to the starting XI after making way for Kostas Tsimikas in midweek, and regularly got forward to suppot Liverpool's attack in the first half.
While a weak and easily blocked shot wasn't an example of him playing to his strengths, a burst down the left was, and United's defenders needed to be alert to stop Darwin Nunez turning it into the back of the net. He was the stand-out player for the hosts in the first period, and an assist for Gakpo with a note-perfect through-ball was no less than he deserved.
Liverpool still have work to do to claw their way back into the top four, but performances like this from their left-back could be key. After setbacks for Spurs and Newcastle on Saturday, it looks like being an exciting battle for Champions League football.
3. Klopp's midfield choice vindicated
Jurgen Klopp opted to leave Stefan Bajcetic out of his starting XI despite some impressive displays from the youngster. Instead it was Jordan Henderson, Harvey Elliott and Fabinho as a midfield three.
The manager spoke of the need for experience against Brazil duo Casemiro and Fred, while pointing to Harvey Elliott's midweek display when justifying his inclusion alongside Liverpool's two 2019-20 title winners. The choice looked to have paid off for Klopp, with both Fabinho and Elliott playing their part as Nunez headed home Liverpool's second goal.
There was a nervy moment with Fabinho going into the book, but that was as concerning as it got. Klopp even had time to introduce Bajcetic and James Milner in the closing stages safe in the knowledge that the game was won.
4. Dalot selection doesn't pay off
Diogo Dalot was given the nod ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back, and early signs suggested the defender would be a key attacking outlet. After laying on an early headed chance for Fernandes, his ball towards Marcus Rashford towards the end of the first half had just too much juice on it.
The issue with the decision, of course, relates to the fact that Wan-Bissaka offers more defensively. Dalot was drawn out to Robertson in the lead-up to Liverpool's opener, leaving goalscorer Gakpo in far too much space.
On the other side, Luke Shaw wasn't a great deal better. The England international's giveaway helped Liverpool take advantage for their second goal, and it was an afternoon to forget for both full-backs.
5. Man Utd's costly cup hangover
After ringing the changes in midweek, Ten Hag returned to the 11 players who won Man Utd the Carabao Cup final. The revisions did the United boss few favours, though, with his team never looking like repeating their fast start at Wembley.
Alejandro Garnacho and Scott McTominay entered the fray just before the hour mark, but the only immediate impact from the changes was a yellow card for the latter. Everything Ten Hag tried made little difference aside from freeing up space for Liverpool to hit them again and again on the break.
Simply put, these didn't look like the players who delivered such a welcome performance at Wembley seven days ago. This result, coupled with wins for Arsenal and Manchester City on Saturday, means any faint hope of a quadruple looks dead in the water.
6. Fitting send-off for Firmino
It emerged this week that Roberto Firmino will leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires. There was no room for sentimentality from the start, with Klopp keeping the Brazilian on the bench to begin with, but Firmino was given a late cameo in ideal circumstances.
The former Hoffenheim man might not have known much about it, but he even got an assist when the ball deflected off him to set up Salah for Liverpool's sixth. It wasn't the most memorable link-up between the pair, but it remained enjoyable.
As the clock ticked towards full-time he added a goal of his own to send the home crowd wild. Liverpool fans won't be able to think of too many better ways for him to round off his final appearance in this fixture.
