Interim Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick hinted there could be up to ten new signings following Tuesday's 4-0 demolition at the hands of Liverpool.

It was effectively game over after 25 minutes with Liverpool already up 2-0 by that point, and United simply were not capable of mounting a tangible fightback.

Following October's 5-0 trashing at Old Trafford, Tuesday's 4-0 loss at Anfield served as a microcosm of where the two clubs are at on and off the pitch.

Rangnick asserted the need for a disjointed United to take on a long-term overhaul in the same vein as Liverpool and Manchester City, who built squads over time on the basis of identity.

"If you look at the two clubs who are currently dominating the Premier League, they did exactly that," he said post-match. "They brought in two managers and not only did they bring in two managers, they also changed the whole thing in terms of formation, what kind of players do they need? What kind of football do we want to play?

"The headline of everything was 'how do we want to play?' And underneath this headline after every transfer window, they created the team they have in both clubs.

"If you analyse the situation, it's not that difficult to analyse. The team needs a rebuild, not because some players have to go but quite a few have no contracts anymore, their contracts are expiring, then for me it's clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players."

Gary Neville has described Manchester United as "broken on and off the pitch" after they were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday.

Goals from Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah (two) and Sadio Mane consigned United to another damaging defeat in their hunt for Champions League qualification.

Their great rivals went top of the Premier League meanwhile, with fellow title contenders Manchester City playing Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday.

Neville laid into his former club following the heavy defeat, saying on Sky Sports: "What Manchester United have done is brought players in with piano introductions like [Alexis] Sanchez, or 'Pogback' and all the big palaver around [Paul Pogba's return from Juventus], the Cristiano [Ronaldo] one at the start of the season, they've elevated the player above the manager at the football club as well.

"You go to Liverpool, you go to Chelsea, you go to Manchester City, the manager is the primary figure at the football club. They've undermined managers at Manchester United over the last 10 years by basically elevating the players into this God-like status, and the players haven't performed.

"My view is at this moment in time there are a lot of things, the players could do better, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the start of the season could have done better, Ralf Rangnick maybe could have done better, but fundamentally, the club is broken on and off the pitch.

"The stadium's falling apart, the training ground is slipping to second rate compared to others, the owners are taking £25million a year out the club when actually the club needs investment, and it sets the culture badly from the top."

Since 2003-04, there have been four instances of a player completing 100+ passes in a Premier League match against United. All four of them have been this season, with two of them being tonight (Thiago 105, Virgil van Dijk 106).

The Red Devils will look to bounce back in their crucial trip to top four rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

Ralf Rangnick suggested Liverpool have humiliated Manchester United this season following the Red Devils' 4-0 defeat at Anfield on Tuesday.

It was the second time in 2021-22 that Liverpool have hammered United, with the Reds winning 5-0 at Old Trafford in November – but given they had a man sent off back then, Tuesday's result was arguably worse.

The nine goals United have conceded against Liverpool is the most they have ever shipped to one opponent in a single Premier League campaign – they last suffered a worse aggregate defeat across two fixtures against the same team back in 1892-93 (11-0 v Sunderland).

United's first-half display was particularly poor as Liverpool dominated throughout, with Rangnick's men making it to the break without attempting a single shot for the first time since April 2018.

The gravity Liverpool's dominance over United this term was not lost on Rangnick.

"It is embarrassing, it is disappointing, maybe even humiliating. We have to accept they are six years ahead of us now," he told BBC Sport.

"When Jurgen Klopp came they changed at the club and lifted not just the team but the club and city to a new level. That is what needs to happen with us in the next transfer windows."

Rangnick opted to start with a back three and gave Phil Jones a rare start, but he abandoned that setup at half-time following United's gutless opening 45 minutes, with Jadon Sancho coming on to provide a bit of spark in attack.

The manager is not convinced the outcome would have been any different even if he had started with a back four as normal, however, adamant player errors were to blame for the goals.

"I don't think a different formation at the start would have changed anything," he continued. "The first goal we conceded, it was not part of the game plan to be that high up and concede a counter-attack after five minutes. That changed the game.

"The first half, we were just not good enough. We did not win any first ball or second balls. We were second best in all relevant areas.

"Second half we changed a centre-back with Jadon Sancho. The first 25 minutes we were better and had pressure on the ball at times. We had two or three moments, but the third goal killed the game off.

"For the third goal it came from a ball we should not play. A pressing invitation: 12 yards into Anthony Elanga, who is a player for [running] behind their back line.

"It is inviting them for those moments and six seconds later the ball was in our net."

The result leaves United three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who have played a game less, while Liverpool moved above Manchester City – who play Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday – at the top.

Jurgen Klopp admits he feels "a bit" for Manchester United after Liverpool routed them for the second time in the Premier League this season.

A Mohamed Salah double as well as goals for Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane helped the Reds to a 4-0 win against a lacklustre Red Devils side.

Ralf Rangnick's visitors were without Cristiano Ronaldo for personal reasons and lost Paul Pogba to injury early on.

It marks the latest dire result under the interim manager as United limp towards the end of a crushingly disappointing campaign, and Klopp unexpectedly admits he sympathises with their struggle.

"I feel a bit for them," he told BBC's Match of the Day. "It doesn't happen often, and I don't think it will happen often. It is not a normal situation.

"They are not in a good moment and on top have a lot of injuries. When Pogba left the pitch they played without their usual midfield.

"The pitch can become really big with a lot of offensive players on it. Centre midfield with [Nemanja] Matic and [Bruno] Fernandes is not how you want to play.

"Nothing against the players, it is just not their natural game. We had 70-75 per cent of the ball and they have to defend and that is not easy."

Elsewhere, Klopp was happy to lavish praise upon Thiago, with the Spain international becoming a masterful mainstay of the manager's side.

"He is a good player," Klopp added. "We have to keep him fit. He has good rhythm, which helps. He is in the right spaces, the little turns and passes.

"We don't have five million players like this on the planet. Only a few see things earlier than everyone else and also have the technical ability to get the ball there as well.

"[It was] a top game from him. Everybody was outstanding and that is what you need to win against Man Utd."

Marcus Rashford "played like a child" in Manchester United's defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday, according to a despairing Roy Keane. 

A toothless United succumbed to a 4-0 defeat at Anfield that enabled rivals Liverpool, who are still chasing an unprecedented quadruple, to go top of the Premier League. 

Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah put Jurgen Klopp's side in command as the Red Devils produced an abject first-half display in which they failed to attempt a single shot. That had not happened in the top flight since a 3-2 win over Manchester City in April 2018.

Rashford managed just nine touches in the opening period and had only two in Liverpool's box across the entire 90 minutes, with Sadio Mane and a second from Salah consigning United to a resounding loss.

"It was anger earlier in the season, now it's just sadness. You look at the team today, I don't think there's any heart there. There's no soul, there's no leaders. They lack real quality, they're so far off," Keane said working as a pundit for Sky Sports. 

"There's disarray at the club from the top. The fans have no time for the owners. They need a new manager, they need players in, they need players out. 

"It's so sad to see. It's not the club I played for. It doesn't reflect what the club stood for when I played, it's chalk and cheese. I don't see a Man United team out there fighting and playing with pride. It's so sad watching this team. 

"They're the opposite of what you'd want in a top team. When the going gets tough, they just crumble. It's a long way back for this club. When I played there was always that bit of pride. I think that's gone out of the club now. 

"There's no team at Man United. Some good individuals when they turn up and they fancy it, but when the going gets tough or they're under the cosh, that's it, they're out of it. They haven't got that team spirit that you need.

Paul Pogba – who was booed by his own fans during the 3-2 win against Norwich City at the weekend – came off injured early in the game at Anfield, replaced by Jesse Lingard, and Keane was not impressed by the sub.

"Jesse Lingard's coming on to try to save Man United? Jesse Lingard should've left Man United two years ago. He's not good enough for Man United," he said.

"Marcus Rashford played like a child up front. OK, he wasn't getting service, but the one or two bits he got in the first half, a poor touch.

"Harry Maguire – the last goal – his passing and defending was unacceptable, not good enough for Manchester United.

"So we have to use that word again, talk about a rebuilding job. Man United have to get players in first of all who are hopefully decent lads, good-quality pros, talented to try to compete. United are sixth in the league – unbelievable." 

Mohamed Salah ended a scoring drought to make Premier League history against Manchester United, but the Liverpool attacker was never worried about his barren run. 

After six appearances without a goal in all competitions, Salah added to Luis Diaz's opener in the 4-0 victory over United that sent the Reds top of the Premier League on Tuesday. 

The Egypt international doubled his tally in the 85th minute, becoming the first player to score five Premier League goals against United in a single campaign. 

Salah's double ended a two-month wait for a goal from open play in the Premier League, with his prior three having come from the penalty spot.

"I said before many times, I score many goals for this club. It's going to keep coming," Salah told Sky Sports. 

"Sometimes you have bad luck, but the team winning is the most important thing. If the team wasn't winning, I wouldn't be happy. But if the team's winning, everything's going to come, so I was not worried about that." 

Sadio Mane was also on target as Liverpool completed a double over the Red Devils by an aggregate scoreline of 9-0. The only time United have suffered a heavier joint loss in their league history was 11-0 against Sunderland in 1892-93. 

Asked to explain Liverpool's dominance of the rivalry this season, Salah said: "They make our life easy, in the midfield and the back. They always try to give us the ball in a one-on-one. 

"When we defend well, we had a clean sheet here and a clean sheet there, they make our lives easier to score. We go to the game and just want to score. Once we get the first, we want the second. Once we get the second, we want the third. 

"It's a top performance from us here and away also, so we'll hopefully just carry on like this."  

City can replace Liverpool at the summit when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday, and Salah acknowledged it is a tall order to expect Pep Guardiola's side to drop points. 

"It's great [to be top]. Let's wait until tomorrow because City also is not an easy team to drop points," said Salah. 

"We just have to focus on ourselves and the rest is not in our hands. We just focus on our games and we'll see." 

Good luck Erik ten Hag.

When Manchester United announce – as expected – the Ajax boss as their next permanent manager, social media will be flooded with suggestions of what he needs to do or fix to get the club challenging for titles again, and it's going to be a long list.

On the evidence of United's performances against Liverpool – who will surely be one of the two teams to beat again in 2022-23 – this term, the chasm between the Old Trafford club and the best is at its widest in a generation.

Liverpool crushed them 5-0 at Old Trafford in November, though Tuesday's 4-0 loss at Anfield was arguably worse and probably even had interim manager Ralf Rangnick considering his own future.

The most ardent of Man Utd fans would've been feeling glum pre-match about their chances here, though there would always be a hint of 'what if'.

It's football. There could always be a freak goal, a comical own goal, one moment of individual brilliance. Throughout the history of the sport there have been countless examples of teams absorbing pressure for 90 minutes and stealing a winner.

As bad as United have been at times this season, and as good as Liverpool are in general, fixtures like this bring a sense of unpredictability – or at least they're supposed to.

As arguably the most recognised and historic rivalry in English football, the minimum one would've expected from United was a bit of desire to get one over the Reds, maybe dent their quadruple hopes. But there was no sign of such spirit until it was already too late.

Frankly, United's first-half performance was a joke. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, a former Red Devils captain, said before the game that this was their worst team in "30-40 years", and it was difficult to disagree with him come half-time.

Of course, it should be said that this wasn't just about United being poor: Liverpool were excellent for much of the game. Thiago Alcantara was a joy to watch in midfield as he almost single-handedly pulled Rangnick's defence and midfield this way and that. Even the Spain international's inaccurate passes were satisfying to see because you saw the invention and vision behind them.

But it was the speed, directness and ruthlessness that typifies this Liverpool team that brought the fifth-minute opener, as they cleverly worked space on the right in their own half before Sadio Mane released Trent Alexander-Arnold, who subsequently picked out Luis Diaz for a tap-in.

Their second goal was even better as they retained possession and sliced through United with a one-touch passing move that culminated in an outrageous Mane reverse pass over the defence for Mohamed Salah to collect before slotting home.

But the lack of character their visitors showed was astonishing. Liverpool seemed to have the freedom of the pitch, they passed through midfield as if Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Bruno Fernandes weren't there. Players were walking.

United reached half-time without a single shot, a first in the league since April 2018. Granted, they went on to beat Manchester City 3-2 on that occasion... But even the suggestion that something similar might've been on the cards here would've drawn laughter.

Similarly galling was the fact United only committed two fouls in the first 45. Without wanting to sound like Roy Keane ("you know what I might do, I might smash into somebody, just to make me feel better!"), when being played off the park a degree of petulance is almost to be expected, but they couldn't even muster that level of frustration.

Things did change briefly after the interval. Rangnick ditched his back three and introduced Jadon Sancho, and suddenly United looked... functional. Players were running, they were hounding their counterparts. They had a shot, then a second. A whole two shots!

Jurgen Klopp stood aghast on the touchline in the 65th minute, his mouth gaping for a full 10 seconds after Alisson had to make two saves in quick succession – they didn't count technically in the stats because an offside was erroneously given, but the Brazilian undoubtedly denied a goal that would have been given by VAR had they scored.

But United's brief improvement said more about Liverpool's post-break drop-off, and they soon snapped out of it – three minutes later it was game over, if it wasn't already. Andrew Robertson made an interception ahead of Anthony Elanga, then Diaz's pinpoint cross was expertly turned in by Mane.

Salah completed the scoring late on with a deft finish that was helped by a slight deflection. While there was a hint of fortune, it ensured the scoreline greater reflected the Reds' dominance.

The nine goals United have conceded to Liverpool this season is the most they've ever shipped against one team in a single campaign. Their 9-0 aggregate loss to the Reds over 2021-22 is their worst to one opponent in the league since 1892-93. Yes, that's 1892, not a typo of 1992.

Much of the build-up to this was dominated by talk of club structures, recruitment and 'synergy', but honestly, fans will just hope Ten Hag can instil a bit of fight, assuming he's not run for the hills already.

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool went top of the Premier League thanks to a resounding 4-0 victory over an abject Manchester United at Anfield on Tuesday. 

Luis Diaz and Salah were on target inside 22 minutes to put Jurgen Klopp's side on course to leapfrog defending champions Manchester City, who will hope to return to the summit when they face Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday. 

United failed to produce a single shot in the first half of a Premier League game for the first time in four years. On that occasion they came from 2-0 down to beat City 3-2, but there were scant signs of such a stirring fightback this time. 

Sadio Mane made sure of that by adding a fine finish to his exemplary assist for Salah, who sealed Liverpool's first Premier League double over United since the 2013-14 season.

The Reds wasted little time in taking the lead, with Salah exposing United's lacklustre defence and squaring for Diaz to tap home after five minutes. 

The fans joined together in a touching show of support for Cristiano Ronaldo in the seventh minute, with the United forward absent following the death of his baby son. 

Paul Pogba was forced off with an injury and Liverpool doubled their lead when Salah added a fine finish to a slick move involving Diaz, Joel Matip and Mane. 

United showed more gumption after a change of shape for the second half from interim boss Ralf Rangnick, with half-time introduction Jadon Sancho finally working Alisson with an effort.

Alisson did well to deny Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga in quick succession after the hour mark, but Liverpool extended their advantage in the 68th minute when Mane swept a delivery from Diaz beyond David de Gea and into the bottom-right corner.

Salah then looped the ball over De Gea with five minutes remaining as United were emphatically consigned to a third straight Premier League away defeat for only the fourth time in the history of the competition.

What does it mean? Liverpool back on top 

Man City looked destined to cruise to the title when they held a 14-point lead over Liverpool as recently as January 15, even though the Reds had two games in hand. 

But Liverpool have now won 11 of their 12 games since – their only dropped points being last week's draw with Pep Guardiola's side – to put themselves firmly in contention for an unprecedented quadruple. 

Thiago keeps it ticking

Thiago Alcantara again absolutely bossed the midfield for Liverpool. He completed 105 of his 110 passes – both game highs – and lost possession just six times, which was the fewest of any Reds player. His seven duels won were also more than any other player on the pitch. 

Salah back on song 

A run of six appearances in all competitions without a goal came to an end for Salah. These were his first Liverpool goals since March 12 and a full two months since he last converted in open play in the top flight.

What's next? 

Liverpool take on Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, while United are in action at Arsenal on Saturday. 

Manchester United endured one of their worst attacking displays in recent Premier League history against Liverpool on Tuesday. 

The Red Devils failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes at Anfield. It was the first time in the top flight they had reached half-time without having an attempt on goal since a meeting with Manchester City in April 2018. 

United had just 24.5% of the possession during the first half and only managed two touches in the opposition box – 23 fewer than Liverpool, who led 2-0 at the interval thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. 

Ralf Rangnick's side completed 92 passes – more than 300 fewer than Liverpool – and only seven of them came in Liverpool's final third. 

United have now conceded more Premier League goals against Liverpool (74) than they have versus any other opponent in the competition. 

Paul Pogba hobbled off injured in the first half of Manchester United's Premier League meeting with Liverpool on Tuesday. 

World Cup-winning midfielder Pogba was replaced by Jesse Lingard in the 10th minute with United trailing 1-0 at Anfield. 

The France international could be seen limping when he attempted to track back as Luis Diaz opened the scoring inside five minutes.

Pogba had retained his place in the starting line-up despite being jeered by fans in the 3-2 win over Norwich City at Old Trafford at the weekend. 

He could now be a doubt for crucial fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea in the next nine days. 

The whole of Manchester United is behind Cristiano Ronaldo following the death of his baby son, says interim boss Ralf Rangnick. 

Ronaldo confirmed in a social media post on Monday that his baby son had passed away. 

He and his partner Georgina Rodriguez had been expecting twins. Their newborn daughter survived. 

Ronaldo was absent from United's Premier League meeting with Liverpool on Tuesday and Rangnick sent a message of support to the Portugal captain's family. 

"This is the worst thing that can happen. I'm the father of two sons myself, so I'm fully aware what that means," Rangnick told Sky Sports. 

"We're all behind him. We're all with him. We wish that him and his family are strong together." 

He added to the club's official media team: "It shows there are more important things in life than football. The whole club is with him. For me, it was clear that he was to be where he is now – with his family." 

United and Liverpool fans came together and applauded when the clock showed seven minutes in a show of support for Ronaldo.

Phil Jones was restored to Manchester United's starting line-up and Paul Pogba retained his place for the Premier League meeting with Liverpool on Tuesday. 

Centre-back Jones was handed just a second start of the season – his only other one being in the 1-0 home loss to Wolves on January 3 – as Ralf Rangnick switched to a three-man defence for the clash at Anfield. 

Pogba was again named in midfield despite being jeered during the 3-2 win over Norwich City on Saturday, while Nemanja Matic replaced Jesse Lingard. 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned in place of Alex Telles and Marcus Rashford was given the nod with Cristiano Ronaldo unavailable following the death of his baby son. 

There were two changes for Liverpool after their FA Cup semi-final success against Manchester City. 

Joel Matip was brought in for Ibrahima Konate to partner Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence and Jordan Henderson was restored at the expense of Naby Keita. 

Roberto Firmino missed out on a place in the matchday squad due to a minor foot injury. 

Manchester United have confirmed a fan-led minutes' applause will be held during Tuesday's Premier League match with Liverpool after Cristiano Ronaldo announced the loss of his son.

The United striker and his partner Georgina Rodriguez were expecting twins, but Ronaldo confirmed in a social media post on Monday that his baby boy had passed away.

In the same post, he said the child's sister had survived.

While a club statement had already revealed the 37-year-old would not feature at Anfield, it has now been announced that fans of the two rival clubs will unite in a show of support for Ronaldo and his family seven minutes into the match, a nod to the forward's iconic number.

Both teams will also wear black armbands throughout the fixture, with Liverpool players joining Ronaldo's United team-mates in paying tribute.

"Fans of Manchester United and Liverpool will unite in support of Cristiano Ronaldo and his family at tonight's match between the two teams at Anfield," read a statement from the Red Devils on Tuesday.

"A fan-led minute's applause will be held in the seventh minute of the game in a tribute to the Portuguese striker and his partner Georgina, after they announced the loss of their newborn baby boy on Monday.

"Messages of support from across the football world are continually flooding in on social media and everybody's thoughts are with the Ronaldo family right now. 

"While United and Liverpool share English football's greatest rivalry, there is a deep-rooted respect held between the two clubs and that will be highlighted by the minute's applause, which was initially suggested by fans of the Merseyside team. 

"Ralf Rangnick's United squad led a request to wear black armbands at Anfield and that has been reciprocated by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side."

Thomas Tuchel is still demanding "special things" from his Chelsea side despite third place in the Premier League appearing secure.

Chelsea reached the FA Cup final with victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, having crashed out of the Champions League following extra-time heartbreak against Real Madrid in their quarter-final tie.

But Tuchel's side look to have little to play for in the league, with top two Liverpool and Manchester City seemingly out of reach while Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United fight for fourth.

Chelsea are five points clear of fourth-placed Spurs, who have played two games more, and eight clear of Arsenal and United heading into the final weeks of the season.

But the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund coach assured he wants more from his side ahead of a clash with Arsenal, who Chelsea could complete their first league double over since 2015-16.

"I'm not sure we don't become second or fourth," Tuchel told reporters at a pre-match news conference on Tuesday.

"So we will fight hard. We have a crucial four matches coming in a short period of time with Arsenal, West Ham, Man United and Everton.

"These are crucial matches for us given the task and what we want to achieve.

"It's a big challenge physically but mentally to dive into the main competition that is Premier League. It seems like things are pretty safe, but things can change so, so quickly.

"We want to demand it from the team, and it is challenging for everybody, but at the same time, it's what you sign up for when you sign up for Chelsea.

"We demand special things because we want to be a special group, we have the trust in the players that they can compete and overcome teams who are better prepared, have more days to prepare and less games in their legs.

"It's on us to push the standards and to push the level."

Chelsea have lost their past two home games in all competitions, against Brentford and Madrid, and will look to avoid a third straight defeat for the first time since November 1993, when the third reverse was against Arsenal.

However, the Blues could be forgiven for turning their attention elsewhere, with an FA Cup final against Liverpool coming in May.

Jurgen Klopp's side claimed victory on penalties when the two met in the EFL Cup final in February, and Tuchel acknowledged he will be out to make amends at Wembley Stadium.

"Of course, we feel it. It was only some weeks ago we lost in the same stadium," he said of the loss to Liverpool.

"In sports, if you lost against a team so recently, you want to turn things around quick. If you call it revenge or not, it doesn't matter, but we all have these competitive feelings."

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will be absent for the Premier League trip to Liverpool following the death of his son.

Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez confirmed the loss of their son on Monday.

The pair were expecting twins, but United forward Ronaldo announced in a social media post that his baby boy had passed away, while the child's sister had survived.

"It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away," he wrote.

"It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.

"We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. 

"Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."

Ralf Rangnick's side head to Anfield on Tuesday to face Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, and Ronaldo will not be present after the heart-breaking announcement.

"Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time," a United club statement read.

"As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family's request for privacy.

"Cristiano, we are all thinking of you and sending strength to the family."