Marcus Rashford defended his Manchester United team-mates from accusations of downing tools in Sunday's annihilation by Liverpool, labelling such suggestions "nonsense".

United were beaten 7-0 during an astonishing Premier League game at Anfield, suffering the joint-heaviest defeat in their entire history.

It was the first time they had lost by seven goals since 1931, while it was Liverpool's biggest win over their bitter rivals, surpassing their 7-1 victory in October 1895.

The loss was a brutal reality check a week on from United winning the EFL Cup, but it was not just the scoreline that saw them attract stinging criticism.

Several United players had their commitment called into question by pundits due to their body language or attitude during a second half in which the visitors conceded six goals.

But Rashford snapped at the idea United threw in the towel.

"We didn't give up, that's nonsense," he told reporters ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Real Betis.

"We were disorganised, yes. Communication was bad, yes, that's why we conceded the goals, but it comes down to the fact that I believe everyone was trying to get back into the game that much, we came away from the team's principles in and out of possession.

"I mentioned after the game, I felt the forwards were trying to press just as the forward unit, we weren't connected to the midfield, and the same with the midfield and defence.

"We were trying to get a grip of the game when it was 2-0, 3-0, we were talking but I don't think we were in agreement about what to do.

"Listen, it's happened, and the only thing we can do is learn from it and move on. So, I'm happy and grateful we have another game so quickly because we have an opportunity to take a step forward and put it behind us."

It was then put to Rashford if the scoreline made a defeat to Liverpool even more harrowing, though the England forward suggested they would have felt just as bad had they only been beaten 1-0.

"Just losing against Liverpool is enough, it doesn't matter the score when you lose again them," he continued. "When you lose against them or any of the biggest rivals, it cuts deep and it's not nice, it's never a nice feeling.

"But I always remember how many games we have won against them, and they have the same feeling. It's football, it's why everyone loves the game so much.

"It's obviously disappointing, but we can't dwell and look back, we just need to be grateful the games are coming thick and fast - because of the principles we've had since start of the season, we're in a position where we're still fighting on all fronts and we still have a lot of games to play.

"When you have a game like that against Liverpool, you want to play as soon as possible because we want to put it right and hopefully tomorrow we can do that."

United manager Erik ten Hag was not kidding himself about the gravity of such a defeat, with the Dutchman seeming to appreciate just how damning the loss was.

Though he also insisted difficult situations like this can yield positive lessons.

"I think the players reflected well," he said, "but we also know when you go through a season setbacks will always be there.

"This was a huge setback, clear, but when you have a run of I think 23 games with one loss, and that was the second [loss].

"There were a lot of lessons in it that can help us for the future, and that's what [we have to do], take the positive out of it.

"How negative it is, that is that we were really below average, especially mentally. We have to take the lessons.

"We want to be a big team, we want to win trophies, so you have to act differently. After Sunday we got a big lesson, but we take that, move on, that's the way we treated it and now all the focus has to be on the next game."

Manchester United's humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool was "an accident", believes Real Betis president Angel Haro, who expects a response when his side face the Red Devils on Thursday.

Betis travel to Old Trafford four days after United suffered the joint-heaviest competitive defeat in the club's history at Anfield.

Only a week on from their EFL Cup triumph, Erik ten Hag's men were ruthlessly dismantled by Jurgen Klopp's hosts to hand them just their second loss of the calendar year.

But with a Europa League last-16 first leg next on the agenda, Haro says Betis must be ready to battle against a fiery response from the Red Devils.

"[Their loss] is an accident, in an important rivalry," he told Marca. "You have to look at Manchester United in recent games, where they've won almost everything.

"They are the favourites, with both budget and potential. But we are going there to compete, we go there with the intention of progressing. These matches are important for our growth.

"We're going to one of the best venues you can go to in Europe, to a mythical stadium in the Theatre of Dreams. We're playing against a very difficult opponent.

"But we will compete and try to bring a good result home. When you go on these trips, anything that isn't a loss can be a win. A tie will give us many options in the second leg."

Haro insists Betis will not be intimidated by United or their history, and he expects their vocal travelling supporters to provide Manuel Pellegrini's men with plenty of backing.

"We are never alone [when we travel]," he said. "We always have our infantry. We are going to have almost 4,000 fans cheering for us."

Mason Mount's future at Chelsea remains uncertain, with his current deal due to expire in 2024.

Mount has rebuffed multiple contract offers from the Blues, prompting speculation he could move on.

Chelsea are determined to hang on to the 24-year-old but if they cannot, the optimal time to sell may be at the end of this season.

TOP STORY – MAGPIES TO RIVAL REDS IN MOUNT RACE

Newcastle United will join the pursuit to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount at the end of this season, claims the Daily Mail.

Liverpool have been linked with Mount given his contract status, but the Magpies could rival that interest given their deep pockets.

Financial Fair Play rules may limit Newcastle's ability to land Mount having spent £165million this season on Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and others.

ROUND-UP

– The Sun claims Arsenal's top two priorities for the off-season are signing Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and West Ham United's Declan Rice. The Nigerian, who has interest from Manchester United too, wants to play in the Premier League one day.

– Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all retain interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo despite penning a new deal until 2027 last week, claims Football Insider. According to the report, Brighton's asking price is upwards of £90m.

– Footmercato reports Real Madrid head of recruitment Juni Calafat met with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham at a London hotel on Tuesday, as numerous clubs circle for the England international.

– Liverpool sent scouts to watch coveted Benfica defender Antonio Silva and midfielder Florentino Luis last Friday, claims 90min. Real Madrid have been linked with Silva, while Tottenham have a reported interest in the pair.

– Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are all proactively keeping tabs on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot's situation and availability, claims 90min.

– Bayern Munich will not sign Joao Cancelo permanently after this season, instead letting him return to Manchester City upon the conclusion of his loan spell, according to Calciomercato.

Wout Weghorst claims he was trying to "wind up" Virgil van Dijk by touching the 'This is Anfield' sign before Manchester United's 7-0 humiliation at Liverpool.

Sunday's thrashing was United's joint-worst defeat in their history, as Erik ten Hag's side conceded six second-half goals to completely collapse at the home of their fierce rivals.

Following the drubbing, a video circulated of Weghorst touching the famous sign in the tunnel of Anfield, sparking fury from United fans.

Weghorst, who has scored just once in 14 appearances since signing on loan from Burnley in January, says he was simply trying to get under the skin of Netherlands team-mate Van Dijk.

"Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it's worth it because you amazing United fans are so important to me," Weghorst posted on Instagram. "I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.

"From the national team, I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game.

"As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.

"Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks.

"We will bounce back together and achieve our aims this season!"

United will look to hit back from Sunday's defeat when they take on Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, hoping to get back to their form from prior to the Liverpool match which had seen them not taste defeat in 11 matches in all competitions and claim the EFL Cup with victory over Newcastle United.

Alejandro Garnacho is the latest Manchester United player to offer a public apology for the humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.

United's Premier League hammering at Anfield on Sunday was their joint-worst defeat ever, alongside losses by the same scoreline to Wolves in 1931, Aston Villa in 1930 and Blackburn Rovers in 1926.

That it came against their fiercest rivals made it even tougher to swallow for United fans, who had seen their side end a six-year trophy drought with EFL Cup glory a week before.

Following apologies from David de Gea and Luke Shaw, Garnacho – who was brought on after an hour with the Red Devils 3-0 down – has posted a message of his own on social media.

"We are so sorry," he said. "We will give you a reaction on Thursday, Reds."

United will be aiming for a swift response in that Europa League last-16 first-leg home tie with Real Betis on Thursday, with defeat to Liverpool snapping an 11-game unbeaten run.

The Red Devils are still in the hunt for a cup treble this season, but full-back Shaw accepts the performance at Anfield simply was not good enough.

"It was unacceptable. Embarrassing, to be honest," said Shaw, who has played in 32 of United's 42 matches under Erik ten Hag. 

"On the pitch I felt embarrassed for us players, for the fans that were there supporting us, that were watching at home, to watch that second half.

"I can only apologise for that and us as players have to own it, we have to stand up and accept that it was nowhere near good enough. 

"It was completely unacceptable and I'm sure they’re hurting, but us as players are hurting a lot.

"Our standards have clearly dropped since we've won [the EFL Cup] and in the last couple of games we haven't been our normal selves.

"We showed no personality, no mentality and for a big team to come here we need to be better."

United follow up the visit of LaLiga side Betis with a meeting against Southampton on their return to Premier League action on Sunday.

Manchester United have reportedly been sending scouts to watch Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although their pursuit could be complicated by interest from his former club.

Abraham, 25, left Chelsea following the 2020-21 season for a £34million fee, and the England international has already exceeded his Chelsea haul of 82 appearances and 30 goals in less than two seasons in Italy.

After racking up 53 outings and 27 goals in his debut campaign with Roma, Abraham has come back down to earth this time around, with just seven goals in 34 games.

There is said to be interest from United in the striker with 11 senior caps for England, although Chelsea will ultimately have the final say about whether they allow him to head to Old Trafford.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA HOLD THE KEYS TO UNITED'S ABRAHAM PURSUIT

The Athletic is reporting United are closely monitoring Abraham's progress this season and have been present at a number of Roma games for that reason, but Chelsea have negotiated a buy-back clause that will give them the option of first refusal.

As part of the sale to Roma, Chelsea included a stipulation that allows them to bring Abraham back for £70.9m (€80m) after at least two seasons have passed – meaning it will activate this coming offseason.

The report adds that Chelsea are in desperate search of a new centre forward, and that while the fee involved may be significant, it is believed to be far less than the demands expected from Napoli for 24-year-old Victor Osimhen.

ROUND-UP

– According to Mundo Deportivo, citing Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have enquired about 29-year-old Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, who will be available for an affordable fee after rejuvenating his prospects with a strong loan spell at Lecce.

– Tottenham are trying to pry 28-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse away from Southampton, who would almost assuredly leave his club if they cannot fight their way out of the relegation places, according to Football Insider.

– Sport is reporting Barcelona have an interest in signing 27-year-old Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio if he allows his contract to expire in a few months and can join on a free transfer.

– According to Calciomercato, Inter are hoping to replace outgoing centre-back Milan Skriniar with Lille 22-year-old Tiago Djalo.

– Newcastle United are eyeing Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Leicester City's James Maddison as potential midfield reinforcements for next season, per Football Insider.

Emre Can may not have seen Liverpool's demolition of Manchester United but felt the impact of his former side's resounding triumph.

The Reds' 7-0 blitz of their fierce rivals at Anfield on Sunday sent shock waves across Europe that echoed through former players.

Borussia Dortmund man Can was among those to take note of the drubbing despite being unable to watch the historic Premier League clash.

"I didn't see the game, I was not at home. But the reaction was amazing when I saw the result," he said ahead of Dortmund's Champions League clash against Chelsea on Tuesday.

"Of course, I'm always looking out for Liverpool, it's special to win against Man United 7-0. I imagine in the city it is a lot of fun now."

Another former Liverpool man took to social media to hail the result, Alberto Moreno posting "WHAT. A. SUNDAY" on Twitter alongside a heart emoji.

Some were closer to the action, former captain Steven Gerrard in attendance alongside the club's all-time record scorer Ian Rush – who shared a TikTok video of the triumphant celebrations on Merseyside.

Marcus Rashford is keen to ensure Manchester United's 7-0 loss to Liverpool does not define their season, calling on his team-mates to "trust the process".

A week on from ending their six-year wait for silverware in the EFL Cup final, Erik ten Hag's men were dismantled in brutal fashion at Anfield.

Liverpool dealt United their biggest ever defeat in this fixture, with the nature of the collapse harking back to the woeful displays of last season.

Prior to Sunday's match, Rashford had played a key role in leading a United resurgence, and he now wants to ensure their campaign is not derailed.

"I wish we could play a game today to try and put things right," Rashford wrote on Twitter. "The result is the result, and we can’t see past that!

"We must not let it define our season. We have to trust the process and stick together."

Liverpool are working to identify and ban the pitch invader who collided with their players during goal celebrations in Sunday's 7-0 win over Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp's side claimed a record victory against their rivals as Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah each scored braces on a stunning day at Anfield.

During the celebrations for Roberto Firmino's seventh goal of the game, however, a supporter ran onto the pitch to join the players, slipped and collided with Andy Robertson.

Liverpool left-back Robertson was knocked to the ground, and the incident prompted a furious reaction from Klopp, who could be seen shouting at the culprit as he was removed by security.

Further action is to come, the club confirmed in a statement on Monday.

"Liverpool FC has begun an immediate investigation to identify and ban the individual pitch runner from Sunday's Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Anfield," it read.

"The offender ran onto the pitch and collided with Liverpool players, risking injury, as they celebrated the seventh goal in front of the Main Stand.

"There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behaviour. The safety and security of players, colleagues and supporters is paramount.

"The club will now follow its formal sanctions process and has suspended the alleged offender’s account until the process is complete.

"If found guilty of the offence of entering the pitch without permission, the offender could face a criminal record and a lifetime ban from Anfield and all Premier League stadiums.

"These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences."

Victor Osimhen is winning plenty of admirers at Serie A leaders Napoli having netted a league-high 19 goals.

The 24-year-old Nigeria forward joined Napoli in 2020 and is under contract until 2025.

But the Partenopei will have their work cut out keeping Osimhen that long, even if they will reportedly ask for more than €100million to let him go.

TOP STORY – OSIMHEN IS UNITED'S PRIORITY STRIKER TARGET

Osimhen is top of Manchester United's four-man striker shortlist, according to Football Insider.

United boss Erik ten Hag has identified Osimhen as his preferred off-season signing to bolster their front line.

According to the report, United wants three major off-season signings to maintain the momentum gained this campaign, including adding another quality striker.

Osimhen is the top priority ahead of Tottenham's Harry Kane, Roma's Tammy Abraham and Salzburg's Benjamin Sesko on their shortlist.

ROUND-UP

– The Athletic reports United are tracking Abraham, but he also has interest from Chelsea, who negotiated a £70.8m (€80m) buy-back clause when they sold him to Roma.

– Angel Di Maria is open to staying with Juventus, who are ready to work to agree a new contract with the winger, claims La Gazetta dello Sport.

– Barcelona are preparing to pounce for Marcus Thuram, who will exit Borussia Monchengladbach as a free agent at the end of this season, reports Fichajes.

– It had been reported Houssem Aouar would join Eintracht Frankfurt, but Calciomercato claims there is new interest from Napoli along with Milan in the Lyon midfielder.

– Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and wants to sign him in the off-season, claims The Mirror.

David de Gea says Manchester United's 7-0 loss to Liverpool was "a disastrous moment" and vows they will turn matters around with their "duty to this club".

Erik ten Hag's side suffered their joint-record heaviest defeat in history, as Jurgen Klopp's hosts ran rampant in their Premier League encounter at Anfield.

Coming just a week after United ended their six-year silverware drought with success in the EFL Cup final, such a capitulation stood in stark contrast to the progress they have made this term.

De Gea was all too aware of the result's impact, and took to Twitter afterwards with an open missive to supporters, vowing he and his team-mates will respond.

"I know these messages don't sit well on such a day," he wrote.

"This was a disastrous moment for us and these results shouldn't happen, especially with the journey we are all on.

"We have a duty to this club, a responsibility to represent the badge, but we have many opportunities to look ahead.

"[We have] many games coming fast, and we have to lock our focus on these."

Having played a key role at Wembley last month, De Gea turned in one of his roughest performances of the season, saving just one of eight attempts on target throughout.

Braces for Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, plus a Roberto Firmino finish, helped Liverpool extend their winning run over United.

The latter will look to promptly bounce back with the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad to come on Wednesday.

Erik ten Hag will gather Manchester United's players on Monday and give them the chance to explain the abject performance that resulted in a 7-0 thumping by Liverpool at Anfield.

After the heaviest defeat of the Dutchman's 481-game coaching career, Ten Hag suggested the immediate dressing-room debrief was all one way as he laid down a few home truths.

He repeatedly described United's display as "unprofessional" in interviews after the final whistle, and it was a chastening low just seven days after the high of winning the EFL Cup at Wembley.

The Red Devils have conceded 21 goals in five league games against Liverpool, and they have never lost a competitive fixture by a wider margin than seven goals, with Sunday's result sitting alongside 7-0 losses to Wolves, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers, each of which happened in a rocky spell from 1926 to 1931.

Former Ajax boss Ten Hag is learning about his players week by week, with this being his first season in the United job.

He was staggered by their reluctance to defend and track back in the second half against Liverpool, with goals from Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez just before and after half-time giving the hosts a 2-0 lead and knocking the stuffing out of United.

Ten Hag said: "As a team, you have to stick together, and that is what we didn't do. It was a surprise for me. I haven't seen this from my team and I don't think it's us, I don't think it's Manchester United. So it's really bad and poor."

Asked if the players had provided any explanation for the second-half collapse, Ten Hag said: "I didn't give them the chance till now. I've given my opinion about it, we will talk about it tomorrow. But I know this team will reset and we have to bounce back.

"There are many things that make me angry, but to concede goals so easily is definitely one of them."

Liverpool celebrated Mohamed Salah becoming their record Premier League scorer, as he helped himself to two goals in the second half, also becoming the first Reds player to score in six consecutive appearances against United.

With 22 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, Salah is the only Premier League player to post 20-plus goals and 10-plus assists this season, and two of those assists came in this game.

It may have stung that two goals also came from Gakpo, the Netherlands international who was linked as a United target before leaving PSV for Liverpool in January.

Ten Hag's long coaching career has not always been a smooth ride, as he acknowledged, and this ranked as one of the bumpiest afternoons of his time on the touchline.

He said: "I have had some bad days, but also other days if you do the right things, if you react with the right measures as a manager and as a team, then you can learn a lot from it, and you can strengthen your mentality.

"If it was more often of course then it's a pattern, but we had so many good results in the last weeks, months, so many good performances. This was a really bad performance and I talk about the second half, because in the first half I thought the team played really decent."

That was fair comment, given United troubled Liverpool on several occasions before Gakpo scored, the breakthrough goal arguably arriving against the run of play.

Conceding six goals in the second half is something that, until this game, had not happened to any Premier League side for almost 10 years.

The last to suffer the indignation had been Fulham at Hull City in December 2013, with the Cottagers going down 6-0 in East Yorkshire.

Only one team in Premier League history have conceded more in the second half of a game, with Wigan shipping eight after the interval against Tottenham in a 9-1 defeat at White Hart Lane in November 2009, Jermain Defoe getting five of the eight.

Mohamed Salah's record-breaking Premier League exploits with Liverpool are "no coincidence" to Jordan Henderson due to the forward's work ethic.

The Egypt international surpassed Robbie Fowler as Liverpool's all-time top scorer in the competition after a brace in a remarkable 7-0 rout of fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

A pair of second-half strikes at Anfield extended his impressive record against old foes United, with 12 goals in his last 12 appearances in the fixture and nine in the past five meetings.

Salah also boasts the record as the top-scoring African in the Premier League and Liverpool's record scorer in Europe, with yet another achievement coming as no surprise to Henderson.

The England international told Sky Sports: "I'm really happy for Mo because it's not a coincidence that he gets these numbers.

"He dedicates his life to football every single day, how hard he works, he's the first one in and last one out. It's not a coincidence so I'm delighted for him."

Liverpool's biggest victory over United – surpassing a 7-1 second-tier thrashing in October 1895 – moved Jurgen Klopp's side within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham, having played a game fewer.

Henderson suggested a humiliating defeat for United tasted sweeter for Liverpool given Erik ten Hag's side lifted the EFL Cup just a week before with victory over Newcastle United at Wembley.

He added: "It is a little bit because of how well United have been playing of late; they have just won a trophy the other week, which will have hurt us as a team a little bit watching them lift that and they have been doing really well this season.

"For us, it was just about today and about performing to the levels we're capable of, and we managed to do that and the momentum kept building and we ended up getting seven.

"Like Mo said, we've got to take each game as it comes now. It's a big win but we need to concentrate on the next one."

Klopp's men are just seven points adrift of third-placed United despite Ten Hag's side repeatedly coming into praise in recent weeks for apparent progression under the Dutchman.

Liverpool have struggled for form this campaign, but Andy Robertson urged the Reds to push on after picking up 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five league games.

The left-back, who assisted Cody Gakpo's opener, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "When it's a big game like this with two big teams, the first goal is always crucial.

"The message at half-time was much of the same and it went to plan and a bit more!

"We were so clinical, so good in every area of the pitch and we couldn't have ever envisaged this score but when players are confident that's what happens. Something just clicked.

"It felt like we were all over them and knew where the ball was going to be at all times. The lads can take a lot of confidence from it but we've got another big game next Saturday [at Bournemouth]

"It's three points in the right direction but we have to use it and kick on for the rest of the season now."

Jurgen Klopp hailed a "perfect" day for Liverpool as they trounced Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield.

Delighted but eager not to gloat, Klopp said the emphatic scoreline was "one for the history books but not for the moment".

But the Liverpool manager said his team were "outstanding", and he saluted Mohamed Salah for becoming the club's record Premier League goalscorer, his 129th strike in the competition taking him past Robbie Fowler.

Salah scored twice, as did Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, with Roberto Firmino coming off the bench to hit a late seventh. It had been goalless until the 43rd minute, and United capitulated after going behind.

"No words, spectacular football game, outstanding. We played top football against the team in form," Klopp said on Sky Sports. "In the second half the start was pretty good, the finish was pretty good, and everything was pretty good. That's football and it can happen.

"United played a super season and we are not really happy with our season so far, but it doesn't mean anything for the game. Today we were the clear better side for this moment, and we got a very important three points for us."

Liverpool have climbed to fifth place in the Premier League, three points behind Tottenham, and they could claw their way into the Champions League places as their revival gathers pace after a dismal start to the campaign.

United sit third, but their title hopes are effectively over now, just a week after they were in high spirits after winning the EFL Cup at Wembley.

It is now 13 points from a possible 15 over the past five league games for Liverpool and Klopp said: "There are a lot of points to go for and that's what we want.

"For tonight it was perfect. It was the push we wanted; it pushes us in the right direction. We are getting close and everyone has to feel us, has to know we are still around. It was not the case for a while, but tonight was a proper show of what we can be and what we have to be from now on."

Klopp said Salah's goals record was an "absolutely insane" achievement.

"He's a very special player. We appreciate him now, but in the future, looking back, people will realise, 'Wow, we witnessed something really special'," Klopp said.

The German boss confirmed Firmino is set to leave at the end of the campaign, when his contract expires, saying: "It's actually a normal situation. It was not an easy decision for him. Everybody can imagine. The reception he got when he came on was absolutely outstanding. That was the goal the stadium wanted pretty much the most."

Klopp was careful not to take too much delight in the fact this was Liverpool's biggest win over United. It was also a record-equalling heaviest defeat to all teams in United's history, and the most emphatic loss of Erik ten Hag's 481-game career.

Asked what he would take from being the boss whose team inflicted such a painful defeat on their fierce rivals, Klopp said: "Nothing in the moment. It's something for in 10 years looking back, and I hope the [future] coach can overcome it. It would be strange, but maybe it's possible.

"In these times I would say it's incredibly special because of the quality of the sides. It's one for the history books but not for the moment.

"We take all the positives, pretty much apart from the scoreline because it's a bit of a freak, but all the rest we take 100 per cent and want to bring it on the pitch again and again."

Erik ten Hag delivered a scathing assessment after a Manchester United dismantling by Liverpool left him without explanation for an "unprofessional" and ill-disciplined performance.

United were routed 7-0 by their old foes at Anfield as Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah – the latter becoming Liverpool's record Premier League scorer – all scored braces.

Roberto Firmino added a late seventh to cap a United humiliation as the Red Devils suffered their joint-heaviest competitive defeat, ending any murmurs of a potential quadruple push after EFL Cup success.

It marked Ten Hag's heaviest loss in what was his 481st match in management, and the United boss gave a brutal appraisal of his lacklustre players on Sunday.

The Dutchman told Sky Sports: "I don't have an explanation. In the first half we were quite in control. At the start of the second half we gave two goals away.

"There was no team anymore. We didn't stick to the plan. There were 11 individuals. I don't know, it's really bad. I have given my opinion [to the players]. It was unprofessional.

"You always have to stick together as a team. We didn't do that. There was no discipline. You have can setbacks, but you have to stick together and do your job."

Liverpool enjoyed their biggest victory over fierce rivals United, surpassing a second-tier 7-1 rout in October 1895, to further their top-four push.

Jurgen Klopp's side are in fifth and trail third-placed United by just seven points, with the Red Devils desperately in need of a response after an abrupt halt to what appeared to be progression under Ten Hag.

Bruno Fernandes was subject to fierce criticism from United greats Roy Keane and Gary Neville on Sky Sports as Ten Hag's visitors seemingly downed tools in the face of adversity.

"We made the wrong decisions, that for me is unprofessional," Ten Hag added. "I'm really disappointed and angry. We let our fans down; as a squad, as a team, you cannot allow this.

"You have to stick together and support each other and fight for one another. You have to defend – we didn't do that and that is really unprofessional.

"We have made a lot of progress, but you see what happens when you don't keep the standards. What I have said in the dressing room is that this is unacceptable."

United host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday before Southampton visit Old Trafford in the league three days later.

Ten Hag expects a response, saying: "But also it is only one game, we will bounce back. This team is strong enough and we will reset."