Liverpool rout Man United to go top of EPL

Liverpool are back where Manchester United are far from reaching: top of the Premier League.

To know why there is such a deficit in quality now between English football’s most successful clubs just look at how Liverpool’s forwards tormented United in a 4-0 rout on Tuesday.

It wasn’t just Mohamed Salah scoring twice at Anfield, after his hat-trick in the 5-0 humiliation in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Salah also assisted Luiz Diaz’s opener.

Salah’s first goal was set up by Sadio Mane.

And Mane’s goal was provided by Diaz’s pass.

All before Salah compounded another night of misery for United with a chipped finish for his second provided by Diaz’s replacement — Diogo Jota.

A glorious night for Liverpool ended with four fist pumps by manager Jurgen Klopp in front of the Kop.

For the four goals? And maybe for the four trophies the season could yet end with.

The League Cup has already been collected and there’s an FA Cup final meeting with Chelsea next month.

Before then there’s a Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid.

And there is the hope Manchester City does not regain first spot in the Premier League, although the two-point lead could be wiped out by the champions beating Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.

United, who had one shot on target in a sorry performance, have now conceded more Premier League goals this season than 18th-placed Burnley and defeat was a further blow to their top-four hopes.

Such were United’s injury problems — with Cristiano Ronaldo given compassionate leave after the death of his newborn son — Phil Jones made only his third appearance of the season.

By the time Paul Pogba added to those woes by coming off after 10 minutes his side were already behind.

with PA