Liverpool got off to an ideal start in their clash with Manchester United, much to the frustration of David de Gea.
It took Luis Diaz just five minutes to give Jurgen Klopp’s side the lead at Anfield. A quick-flowing move from the Reds saw Sadio Mane’s pass cut through United’s backline and find Mohamed Salah, who obliged by cutting the ball back to Diaz to put Liverpool in front.
In an attempt to quell the Reds’ dynamic front three, United boss Ralf Rangnick opted for an unlikely five-at-the-back formation, though Liverpool’s bitter rivals looked to still be adjusting to the new system in the opening minutes at Anfield. However, it wasn’t United’s defensive frailties that drew the most anger from the Spanish goalkeeper.
YOUR SHOUT: Rate the Liverpool players after 4-0 win over Manchester United at Anfield
Instead, De Gea took objection to Trent Alexander-Arnold ’s celebrations. The right-back followed up Diaz’s goal with an attempt to emphatically fire the ball back into the United net, with his shot narrowly avoiding the United goalkeeper.
The 31-year-old reacted by attempting to confront Alexander-Arnold and then proceeded to take his complaints to referee Martin Atkinson. However, no action was taken by the official and United’s evening quickly got even worse.
Firstly, Paul Pogba limped off with an injury five minutes later before Mohamed Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead, midway through the first half. The Egyptian latched on to a delightful pass from Sadio Mane to slot the ball past De Gea.