Mohamed Salah expressed his delight at setting a "special" record for Liverpool during the 7-0 drubbing of Manchester United.
The Egypt star netted a brace during the rout to take his tally of Premier League goals for the Reds to 129, surpassing the previous record held by Robbie Fowler.
Having endured a disappointing spell with Chelsea before excelling in Italy with Roma, few would have expected Salah to have the impact that he has, but the forward was determined to make history when he arrived at Anfield.
Salah told Sky Sports: "It's very special, I can't lie. This record was in my mind since I first came here.
"In my first season, in my mind, I was always chasing the record so, to make it today against United with that result was unbelievable.
"I'm going home to celebrate with the family, chamomile tea and sleep."
Despite recording their biggest ever win over fierce rivals United, Salah says the Reds must stay grounded after they moved into fifth place - three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the battle for Champions League qualification.
"It's very special to win the game like that but at the same time, we don't want to go into the next game with overconfidence," he added.
"We just need to be humble, just play and win games. We're not in the position that we want to be, but hopefully this gives us a good push and we can keep winning."
That sentiment was echoed by captain Jordan Henderson, who also hailed Salah for his dedication.
"It's a fantastic day for everyone. The performance levels, every player was top quality. You could see the energy levels were back," he said.
"We have shown recently we are on the path back. It's a big win but we need to concentrate on the next game.
"I'm really happy for Mo. He dedicates his life to football. He is the first one in and the first one out."
Manchester United were seemingly starting a bright new era. Last weekend's EFL Cup success at Wembley was their first trophy in nearly six years and provided a tangible element to the improvement inspired by Erik ten Hag.
But a week on, they have suffered their joint-heaviest competitive defeat of all time, with Liverpool dishing out a truly remarkable 7-0 defeat at Anfield in a game that Reds fans will hope provides a glimpse into their own promising future.
It's been a difficult season for Jurgen Klopp's side, their issues summed up by February's 5-2 demolition at Anfield by Real Madrid, but Sunday's victory – their biggest in the history of this fixture – is the perfect tonic.
Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah were the stars, all three scoring twice. In the week that Roberto Firmino announced his imminent departure, it was somewhat fitting that the Reds' new-look attack – and the Brazilian as well – produced such a dominant display.
As ridiculous as it sounds, Liverpool supporters would've been forgiven for seeing letting their early optimism subside, though. Let's not forget, they were 2-0 up against Madrid during the aforementioned chastening defeat – here, they failed to make the most of their initial promise.
United grew into the game and created chances. Antony forced a good save from Alisson, Bruno Fernandes headed agonisingly off target, and Marcus Rashford – of all people – hit a tame effort straight at the goalkeeper when seemingly destined to score.
On the balance of the first half, United would probably feel they were the better side and had the bigger opportunities.
But their sloppiness in the final third provided Liverpool with the encouragement they needed, Gakpo's impact proving especially poignant.
It was the Dutchman whom United were apparently keen on when it appeared Antony was initially unattainable last year. Ten Hag stuck to his first choice and the Red Devils ultimately paid through the teeth to get the Brazilian.
Yet his performance could not have been more contrasting to that of Gakpo. Antony's final pass was routinely disappointing, and he created precious little given how much of the ball he had – and that's been a recurring theme during his early months at United.
With Gakpo, however, there was ruthless purpose in almost everything he did, be it direct runs on the counter or springing breaks with his use of the ball.
Perhaps most importantly, though, was his clinical edge in front of goal.
He exploited space in behind Fred – filling in briefly at right-back for Diogo Dalot – and latched on to Andrew Robertson's incisive pass. One touch knocked the ball inside Raphael Varane, who became unbalanced, and his next was a gorgeous finish into the bottom-far corner.
The goal could not have come at a much better time for the Reds, who were under pressure in that moment just before half-time, and they carried that momentum into what proved to be an utterly astonishing second half.
A comedy of defensive errors from United led to Liverpool doubling their lead 29 seconds into the second period, setting the tone for the next 45 minutes. After Luke Shaw's wayward pass, Casemiro, Varane and Fred all failed to clear the ball, eventually Harvey Elliott's pass was headed in by Nunez.
It only got worse for the visitors.
A corner of their own three minutes later turned into a 3-0 deficit. Gakpo brilliantly led a break, releasing Salah before darting into the box and receiving a return pass, which he impudently flicked past David de Gea.
A kind ricochet led to Salah hammering in number four off the crossbar, before Nunez coolly guided in a towering header as the scoreline began to take a humiliating form for the away side.
More embarrassing defending saw Salah bundle in after fine work by Firmino to become Liverpool's record scorer in the Premier League, and the Brazil forward put the cherry on the icing on the cake, squeezing in past Dalot.
United lost their heads. Shaw and Fernandes were arguably lucky to avoid red cards, while the body language of both – and others – was appalling in the latter stages as Liverpool tried to pile on the misery.
In the end, Liverpool had to settle for seven – it could have been more.
Nevertheless, the Reds' victory was an incredible statement of potential. Nunez has received pelters all season, Gakpo took a few games to start looking like he'd settled.
At times this season Salah has almost had to do it all himself, with injuries to others and a lack of form elsewhere robbing him of the opportunity to really build relationships and partnerships in the attack.
On Sunday it all came together with the ever-reliable Egyptian their heartbeat, providing a chilling glimpse of what could be on the horizon.
Sergi Roberto believes Barcelona's victory over Valencia provides another example of their LaLiga title-winning pedigree after being made to work hard at Camp Nou.
Barca defeated 19th-place Valencia 1-0 at Camp Nou through Raphinha's 15th-minute header to move 10 points clear of Real Madrid, who travel to Real Betis later on Sunday.
The Catalan giants squandered a big chance to effectively kill off Valencia in the 55th minute when Ferran Torres failed to convert a penalty.
A red card issued to Ronald Araujo four minutes later for bringing down Hugo Duro as last man changed the complexion of the contest, but Valencia failed to hit back.
It was far from a vintage display from Barca, but Sergi Roberto is pleased with the manner in which they dug deep to claim a fifth straight league win in this fixture.
"We showed we know how to suffer," he told Movistar. "The red card meant we found ourselves defending more as a team. This is part of a winning team.
"When you go ahead, you need to find a second goal to give yourself some peace of mind. If the penalty had gone in... well. It's a pity, but you have to know how to suffer.
"Leagues are won in matches like this. We have left Madrid 10 points behind, which is something we have to value."
Sunday's match marked the first time Barca have had a player sent off and also missed a penalty in a LaLiga game since March 2007 against Sevilla.
Sergi Roberto played 81 minutes of the contest and finished with the best passing accuracy (92.9 per cent) of any Barcelona player, completing 26 of his 28 passes.
The Barca academy product signed a new one-year contract on Friday, making it 14 seasons for the versatile right-back at Camp Nou.
"It is clear that I have been here for many years," he said. "I am happy to continue at this club I've spent my life with. It is where I want to be, where the coach wants me to be.
"It has been easy and we understood each other quickly. I hope that years of many titles will come."
Barcelona have now won eight games by a 1-0 scoreline in LaLiga this season, which is their most in a full season in the competition's history.
Head coach Xavi watched this latest win from high up in the stands as he served a one-match ban and was put through the wringer by his side.
"I'm never going to protest again because watching the game up there has caused me a lot of anxiety," Xavi joked. "Not being able to communicate with my players was tough.
"The red card was clear as [Araujo] was the last man. It's a shame because we were in control but didn't deal with the danger well. It's a red card.
"You have to know how to close out games. Many times we haven't done it and today we were made to suffer even more because of the sending off.
"A lack of effectiveness is making us suffer. But with many absentees today, and a red card, we showed we still won."
Inter moved back to second place in Serie A after Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lautaro Martinez were on target in a 2-0 victory over Lecce on Sunday.
Simone Inzaghi's side underwhelmed in a 1-0 defeat to Bologna last weekend but produced a much-improved performance to return to winning ways at San Siro.
Mkhitaryan's first-half opener set Inter on their way before top scorer Martinez's 14th league goal of the season made sure of the three points in the second half.
Victory saw Inzaghi's men leapfrog Lazio and cut Napoli's sizeable advantage at the summit to 15 points after the Partenopei lost to Maurizio Sarri's side on Friday.
Hakan Calhanoglu stung the palms of Wladimiro Falcone, while Andre Onana kept out a low Assan Ceesay drive in an opening bereft of clear-cut chances.
Edin Dzeko headed narrowly wide from Calhanoglu's corner soon after, before Mkhitaryan delivered the first moment of quality for his 29th-minute opener.
The midfielder swept a right-footed finish from Nicola Barella's offload into the top-right corner after the Italy international evaded two challenges inside the area.
Martinez finished in similarly clinical fashion after 53 minutes, brushing Denzel Dumfries' low right-wing centre past Falcone to double Inter's lead.
Dzeko fired another presentable opportunity straight at Falcone and Alessandro Bastoni dragged wide as an insipid Lecce never threatened a late response.
What does it mean? Inter encouragement after another Lecce win
Defeat to Bologna last Sunday left Inzaghi and Martinez furious, with the pair warning Inter will achieve nothing with such poor performances.
The Nerazzurri responded with a dominant showing, though, as they won a ninth straight Serie A home game against Lecce, scoring 22 times in that run.
A Scudetto challenge may be off the cards but Inter can take encouragement from this display with the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, which they lead 1-0, at Porto to come on March 14.
Classy Calhanoglu
While Mkhitaryan scored in two consecutive home appearances in Serie A for the first time since May 2021 for Roma and Martinez once again impressed, Calhanoglu also deserves credit.
The Turkey midfielder was central to all of Inter's attacking promise as he created four chances – no player managed more.
Dire Dzeko
Dzeko was preferred up top by Inzaghi as he replaced Romelu Lukaku in the starting XI but the Bosnia and Herzegovina international failed to take his chance.
The striker missed a great first-half opportunity to compound his miserable run in front of goal, having scored just twice in 14 appearances in 2023.
What's next?
Inter visit relegation-threatened Spezia on Friday, while Lecce host Torino two days later.
Lewis Hamilton called for Mercedes to implement upgrades as soon as possible after a disappointing opening race at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion was well off the pace of the Red Bulls, who secured a one-two finish, and came fourth after losing his battle with former team-mate Fernando Alonso.
Aston Martin's show of strength is a particularly sore point for Mercedes, who supply their engine, gearbox and rear suspension, and fans may fear another tough season is on the cards for the team.
A disappointing campaign last term saw Mercedes respond to provide some competitiveness in the final rounds but Hamilton is keen for a much swifter reply this year.
"I thought the team did a great job in terms of pit stops and just unfortunately the car is not there at the moment," he told Sky Sports F1.
"We are just lacking downforce and we have got to work really hard to add that ASAP.
"Anything from in the wind tunnel, we need it tomorrow. We have really got to push massively to try and close that gap."
Team principal Toto Wolff is equally keen for developmental upgrades, but he feels a more radical approach is required.
The fact Aston Martin have impressed has provided some optimism, though, if the team can pinpoint where their success stems from.
"Red Bull is just on a different planet. That is what hurts because they are so far head, it reminds me of our best years because we just put a second on everybody else," he said.
"That is the benchmark and we have to do one step after the other to come back and we can do that. We can, absolutely we can.
"I think it needs to be much more radical in the steps than hope for a three-tenths upgrade.
"They [Aston Martin] deserve what they have done, they did a good job. The good news for us is there is a lot of Mercedes in there. To pinpoint it, that would be helpful in the recovery."
Mohamed Salah has become Liverpool's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League by taking his tally to 129 with a double in a sensational record 7-0 hammering of Manchester United.
The Egypt forward netted twice in the second half of a stunning rout to surpass Robbie Fowler's record of 128 Premier League goals for the Reds.
Salah's two second-half goals against woeful United in his 205th top-flight match extended a stellar record against Liverpool's great rivals, with 12 goals in his last 12 appearances in the fixture and nine in the past five meetings.
After joining from Roma ahead of the 2017-18 season, Salah scored 32 goals in his debut season at Anfield to clinch the Golden Boot.
In the following campaign, Salah's 22 goals retained his trophy, shared with team-mate Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while a third top-scorer award came after a 23-goal haul last season – sharing the gong with Tottenham's Son Heung-Min.
Salah is one of only three players to have won the Golden Boot on three occasions, alongside Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer.
A total of 19 goals were scored by Salah in the 2019-20 season, in which Liverpool secured the league title for the first time in 30 years.
Liverpool blew their fierce rivals United away in an incredible second half on Merseyside, Cody Gakpo adding to his first-half strike by helping himself to a double and Darwin Nunez also scoring twice.
Roberto Firmino put the icing on the cake with Liverpool's seventh goal as they secured a record victory in this fixture.
Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah hit doubles to kill off Manchester United's faint Premier League title hopes as a giddy Liverpool rolled over their old foes 7-0 at Anfield.
The 23-year-old Gakpo, a January recruit from PSV, marked his first appearance in this famous rivalry with a pair of sublime goals, with Nunez and Salah adding to the humbling. Salah became Liverpool's record Premier League scorer and substitute Roberto Firmino also got in on the act, on what was a day of vindication for manager Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool's German boss sees Gakpo and Nunez as vital to the team's future, and against a ragged United defence they and Salah made it a day to savour for the hosts, whose win takes them above Newcastle United and into fifth place.
Erik ten Hag's Red Devils, seven days on from winning the EFL Cup at Wembley, were abject. They are seven points better off than Liverpool and remain third in the table, but they trail leaders Arsenal by 14 points and have only 13 games remaining. This will also take some getting over.
Liverpool had most of the early possession, but the key chances in the opening half-hour were created by United, with Antony having the first when his low shot towards the left corner was pushed wide by Alisson.
United's full-backs then teed up big chances for Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Fernandes flashed a header across goal and wide of the right post from Dalot's far-post cross, before Luke Shaw's delivery from the left found Rashford, whose first-time shot was weak.
Casemiro had the ball in the Liverpool net in the 42nd minute but had strayed offside, and the breakthrough came at the other end a minute later. Andy Robertson played in Gakpo, who cut in from the left and beat a dawdling Raphael Varane before driving a 12-yard strike into the far corner.
Liverpool then made a dream start to the second half as more sloppy United defending resulted in Harvey Elliott crossing from the right, inside the penalty area, for Nunez to nod in from close range.
The third goal was Liverpool at their best, as Jordan Henderson fed Gakpo just outside the hosts' penalty area, and the Dutchman released Salah on the right. Salah occupied Lisandro Martinez and drew in Shaw, and Gakpo quietly ran into space before being picked out by his team-mate, dashing into the 18-yard box and chipping past De Gea from a tight angle.
It was 4-0 in the 66th minute as Salah smashed in off the underside of the bar after a fortuitous deflection into his path, and 5-0 nine minutes later as Nunez headed in Henderson's cross. Salah swept in the sixth in the 83rd minute, with United in total disarray, and Firmino, set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, drilled a seventh.
Charles Leclerc believes Red Bull are on "another planet" to their Formula One rivals after they dominated the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen's title defence got off to a comfortable start with a victory on Sunday, with his team-mate Sergio Perez second and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso in third.
Leclerc looked on course for a podium finish for Ferrari, but an engine failure led to his retirement.
The issue came despite Ferrari changing a component ahead of the race, one of only two permitted alterations allowed over the course of the season, which could lead to further pain for the Scuderia in future races.
While the cause of the problem was unknown to Leclerc, he made it clear the team must secure as many points as possible to keep Red Bull in sight.
"I have no idea what happened to the car when I lost the power, the only thing I know is that I did, I don't know for what reason," he told Sky Sports F1.
"I don't know if it is related to the change we had this morning, so I don't want to comment on that, but it is a shame.
"We expected to be on the back foot this weekend, especially in the race to Red Bull. That team is on another planet right now.
"But that's what exactly why most weekends we need to make sure we bring maximum points possible home and we didn't manage to do so."
Max Verstappen was delighted to break his Bahrain Grand Prix hoodoo, but Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez is promising a tight Formula One title race in 2023.
The reigning world champion picked up his first career victory at the Bahrain International Circuit to kick off the new season where he left off last term.
Verstappen led a one-two ahead of teammate Perez, while Fernando Alonso came third on his Aston Martin debut.
Having failed to win on any of his previous visits to Bahrain with the team, the Dutchman acknowledged he was gratified to finally claim a win at the circuit.
"I was very happy to finally win here in Bahrain," he said in his post-race interview. "It was a very good first stint. From there, it was about looking after the tyres.
"[There are] just little things we want to fine-tune. I think we have a good race package. I think it will depend race-to-race, [but] we can definitely fight with this."
Perez, who was aided in securing second by the late retirement of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to an engine issue, feels he can press his team-mate this year though.
After finishing third in the standings last term, the Mexican is looking to ensure he can stay on the heels of the Dutchman as the latter eyes a third consecutive crown.
"We worked really hard over the winter, so it is nice to see all the boys enjoying the first race," he added. "It was important today to get both cars to the end.
"Finishing second was the maximum I could do today [with my start]. It is a long season. I think I am getting closer every single session and I will give my best."
Alonso, who departed Alpine for Aston Martin during the off-season, nabbed his first podium finish since he came third at the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix.
For the Spaniard, the oldest driver in the field at 41, it marked a vindication of his decision to make the move as he continues to defy expectations.
"[It is] amazing for the team, [it] was [a] great weekend," he added. "Finishing on the podium in the first race of the year, it is just amazing.
"What Aston Martin did over the winter to have the second-best car on race one, it's unreal."
Mateo Kovacic believes Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday showed they "can fight for this badge".
The Blues ended a six-game losing streak with a victory over struggling Leeds at Stamford Bridge, easing the pressure on under-fire boss Graham Potter.
A difficult season for Chelsea, who have spent big in the transfer window but failed to deliver on the pitch, has led to increasingly frustration from expectant supporters.
But after Wesley Fofana's first Premier League goal consigned Leeds to defeat, Kovacic expressed his gratitude for the backing the players were given.
"I felt the crowd was behind us the whole game," the midfielder told Chelsea's official website. "[It] is not easy, because we are in a bad moment.
"Tenth place is not good for Chelsea. It was a great atmosphere, and we showed them that we can fight for this badge, and we gave them the three points."
Chelsea now turn their attention to a Champions League last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, when they will kick-off at Stamford Bridge trailing 1-0.
Kovacic hopes beating Leeds can fire them on in Europe, adding: "The win was much needed. The three points were important for us to lift the confidence.
"Unfortunately, the ball does not want to go in at the moment, but in the end, we scored. We're happy with the points. We need to continue now. This is a step forward."
Max Verstappen started the defence of his Formula One title with a comfortable victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The two-time world champion was in front from the start and never truly came under threat, leading a Red Bull one-two ahead of Sergio Perez to secure his team's first opening-weekend victory since 2011.
With Charles Leclerc forced into a retirement due to an engine issue, Red Bull's closest challenger was Fernando Alonso, who worked his way through the field for a podium finish.
But a rejuvenated Aston Martin were no match for a dominant Verstappen and Red Bull in what proved to be a comfortable race for the defending champions.
Leclerc, who had a power unit change before the start, leapfrogged Perez to take second place at the start but could not stay ahead of the Mexican, who regained his grid position after the first round of pit stops on lap 26.
Mercedes' fight with Aston Martin was the battle to watch, Lewis Hamilton completing an undercut on Alonso before a stellar move on lap 38 saw the Spaniard move ahead again.
Engine problems for Leclerc led to his retirement three laps later, opening the door for Alonso to battle Carlos Sainz for a podium spot after the virtual safety car was deployed.
Alonso was able to catch his compatriot on lap 46 to clinch third spot in his first race for Aston Martin, though there was no challenge for Red Bull as they eased to only their second ever win in the first race of the year.
Ferrari frustration
Having had to retire from the lead twice in the 2022 season due to engine issues, Leclerc would have hoped those problems were a thing of the past heading into Ferrari's 2023 campaign.
Never appearing to have the pace to put the Red Bull duo under threat, calamity struck with another forced retirement in a nightmare start to the season.
Ocon's Alpine agony
Esteban Ocon's season did not get off to a good start, with the Frenchman given three time penalties over the course of the race.
An initial five-second penalty came for incorrect grid position, with a 10-second penalty following for failing to serve that correctly and another five-second penalty issued for speeding in the pit lane before the Alpine was eventually retired.
IN THE POINTS
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) +11.987
3. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +36.637
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) +48.052
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +50.977
6. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +54.502
7. George Russell (Mercedes) +55.873
8. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) +1:12.647
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +1:13.753
10. Alexander Albon (Williams) +1:20.870
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 25
2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) 18
3. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 15
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 12
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 10
Constructors
1. Red Bull 43
2. Aston Martin 23
3. Mercedes 16
4. Ferrari 12
5. Alfa Romeo 4
Ten-man Barcelona battled to a nervy 1-0 win over strugglers Valencia at Camp Nou to move 10 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
Barca suffered a shock loss to Almeria in their last league game, prior to beating Madrid in Thursday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, and were made to work hard by Valencia.
Raphinha put the hosts ahead early on but Ronald Araujo's 59th-minute red card, shortly after Ferran Torres missed a penalty, set up a nervier-than-expected final half an hour.
Valencia had good chances either side of Araujo's dismissal, but they failed to test Marc-Andre ter Stegen and remain two points from safety in the relegation zone.
Barca head coach Xavi was in the stands for this contest due to a one-game suspension and he would have had a perfect view of Raphinha's impressive opener.
Sergio Busquets clipped the ball into the box and Raphinha timed his run to perfection to get in front of Giorgi Mamardashvili and glance the ball into an unguarded net.
Valencia should have been level before half-time, but Thierry Correia headed a big chance wide and Samuel Lino fired off target when Ter Stegen played the ball straight to his feet.
The visitors were given a let-off when Torres clipped the post from a penalty awarded for Hugo Guillamon's handball, while Ansu Fati hit the inside of the post just a minute later.
There was then a further twist as Araujo saw red having pulled down Hugo Duro to prevent the Valencia striker charging through on goal after Jules Kounde headed the ball into his path.
Valencia had a late penalty shout rejected for Franck Kessie's challenge on Fran Perez but ultimately failed to make their one player advantage count in the final 30 minutes.
Ricky Ponting believes David Warner missed the ideal chance to retire in style at the SCG after his double-century at the MCG in December.
Warner plundered his way to 200 from 255 deliveries in the Boxing Day Test, which was his 100th appearance for his country in the format, as Australia dismantled South Africa by an innings and 182 runs.
That knock came at the end of a difficult 2022 for the opening batter, who had scored only two half-centuries in his previous 19 innings.
The 36-year-old was included in Australia's squad for their tour of India, but managed just 26 runs in three visits to the crease before suffering concussion and subsequently withdrawing.
Former Australia captain Ponting thinks the perfect opportunity for Warner to bow out was at the end of the South Africa series, with his home ground in Sydney hosting the final match.
Ponting told the ICC Review podcast: "Look, I was on radio a couple of days ago, back here in Australia, and I thought the absolute best time for Davey to retire, if he was thinking about it at all, was after the Sydney Test match here in Australia.
"He'd just played his 100th Test in Melbourne, and obviously got 200 in the first innings down there. And to bow out in front of his home crowd is obviously the way that every player would like to finish their careers.
"Who knows now that opportunity might not come around again for Davey, you know. That's nearly another 12 months away."
Australia will feature in this year's ICC Test Championship final at The Oval, and Ponting thinks Warner will play in that match if he is fit.
Indeed, Ponting says it could well act as an audition for the Ashes, which start at Edgbaston on June 16.
"They're probably going to have similar things to think about when they get to the UK because David's record in the UK is not as strong as it is in some other places around the world," said Ponting.
"I think his career deserves to finish the way he wants it to.
"Sort of not to be dropped or tapped on the shoulder in the middle of an overseas tour and have his career end in that way. That's why I just hope he can find it within himself to score a lot of runs between now and next summer."
Erik ten Hag went with his Sunday best as Manchester United looked to earn a first Premier League win at Liverpool in over seven years.
Seven days on from winning the EFL Cup at Wembley, where the Red Devils beat Newcastle United, Ten Hag again put his trust in the players that delivered that trophy success.
That meant United named the XI that triumphed in the capital, with Ten Hag backing that line-up after shuffling his pack for the FA Cup win on Wednesday against West Ham.
Wout Weghorst led the attack, with 25-goal Marcus Rashford looking to add to his stunning tally. Rashford went into Sunday's game having hit 10 goals in his last 10 Premier League outings, scoring in his last five appearances.
Ten Hag's team were looking to end a six-game winless run in league games at Anfield, with their last victory at the home of their great rivals in the competition being a 1-0 win in January 2016.
Liverpool made three changes to the side that beat Wolves 2-0 on Wednesday, a result that continued a recent upturn in league results for Jurgen Klopp's team, giving them 10 points from the last four games.
Andy Robertson came in at left-back for Konstantinos Tsimikas, Spanish youngster Stefan Bajcetic was replaced by Jordan Henderson in midfield, and Cody Gakpo replaced Diogo Jota in attack, where he joined Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
United's recent winless run at Anfield is their longest since a run of nine games between 1970 and 1979, but they headed into this encounter sitting 10 points above Liverpool.
Third-placed United were seeking a ninth Premier League double over Liverpool, having won 2-1 at Old Trafford in August, the result that kick-started Ten Hag's reign after a rocky start to the Dutchman's career in England.
United came into this game having scored just one goal in their last seven trips to face Liverpool in all competitions, failing to score in the last three.
However, they arrived for the game having lost just one of their last 11 in the league (W8 D2), with the exception in that run being a 3-2 defeat at Arsenal in January.
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