Brendan Rodgers' title-chasing Reds headed to Old Trafford on a five-game winning streak and were superior to David Moyes' United in every way.

The hosts simply couldn't cope with the decisive passing, desire and constant movement of Luis Suarez et al and it was almost inevitable that Nemanja Vidic would be sent off for a fourth time against Liverpool.

Gerrard scored two penalties, before sending a third spot-kick clattering onto the post, and Luis Suarez made it 3-0 on a day that United striker Wayne Rooney described as "one of the worst I've ever had in football".