Fans and players create unstoppable force to embarrass fierce rivals

Manchester United weren't just beaten but they were embarrassed on an emphatically one-sided night at Anfield.

Forget all the talk about it only being half-time in this Europa League last 16 tie, Jurgen Klopp's men have taken a giant leap towards the quarter-finals.

The Reds will head for Old Trafford next Thursday with a commanding 2-0 lead.

They will also make the short trip on the back of a week's rest and with belief sky-high after the manner in which they comprehensively outfought and outplayed Louis van Gaal's men.

There was never any danger of Liverpool succumbing to an unprecedented fifth successive defeat at the hands of United. Not with the Reds in this kind of mood.

The only regret was that they didn't have more than Daniel Sturridge's spot-kick and Roberto Firmino's close range finish to show for their efforts.

But for the heroics of David de Gea, Liverpool would already be out of sight. The scoreline flattered United massively but crucially they were denied the prized away goal which would have changed the balance of the tie considerably.

United had asked their fans to create a 'Wall of White” after dishing out free shirts but by the end raising a white flag would have been more fitting as they sat there stoney faced. They know it's a long way back from here.

As Van Gaal's reign limps to a sorry conclusion, Klopp is only just getting started. These are two clubs heading in different directions.

Liverpool played with a swagger and a vibrancy that a pitiful United side simply couldn't live with.

Firmino was outstanding as he continued his hot streak but there were dominant displays in all departments.

This was the finest Anfield night of Klopp's blossoming tenure. Fans and players united together as one unstoppable force.

The Reds boss had urged supporters to crank up the volume and they delivered emphatically.

The Kop created a wall of noise. Among the array of banners was one that read: 'Liverpool FC Support & Believe'. Another simply: 'European Elite'.

This may have been Europe's second tier competition but there was nothing second rate about the sense of occasion.

The spine-tingling rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone was laced with emotion and Klopp's men fed off that electric atmosphere.

There was a scare when Alberto Moreno misjudged Memphis Depay's cross but Marcus Rashford failed to hit the target.

This may have been a very English affair but Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo made it clear early on that it would be officiated by his continental standards.

There was no leeway with Jordan Henderson straight into the book for a strong but fair challenge on Morgan Schneiderlin.

The cards kept on coming with six in the book by the end. How Marouane Fellaini remained on the pitch will remain a mystery.

The opening stages were predictably frenetic. Moreno got a flea in his ear from an enraged Klopp after he shirked a challenge on Rashford in front of the technical area.

The message was clear – don't retreat, don't allow United to settle, ruffle their feathers.

When Simon Mignolet caught an in-swinging free-kick from Juan Mata there was a roar of approval. Similar followed when Sakho shrugged off the little Spaniard like he was dealing with an annoying wasp.

Momentum was building. Firmino's clever movement and classy touch tormented United, while the tireless Adam Lallana drove at them menacingly.

Philippe Coutinho kept on demanding possession and kept on picking holes as the visitors chased shadows.

In the 20 minute Liverpool grabbed the lead they craved. Firmino's incisive pass picked out the run of Nathaniel Clyne, who was tripped by Depay.

Carballo pointed to the spot and Sturridge stepped up to score his sixth goal of the campaign.

With the noise levels cranked up still further, Liverpool threatened to run riot. De Gea repeatedly kept United in the tie.

Coutinho looked destined to score when Sturridge's bobbling cross-shot dropped kindly to him at the back post but he scuffed it and that allowed the United keeper to claw it away.

Liverpool's only problems were of their own making. Mamadou Sakho's mis-kick sparked panic inside the box and he nearly compounded the error by diving in on Mata but Moreno came to the rescue with a covering tackle.

That moment aside, Sakho was impressive with Dejan Lovren shining again alongside him.

Just past the half hour mark Chris Smalling's blunder presented a golden chance to Sturridge. However, his fierce left-footer was blocked by De Gea.

The away end kept themselves amused with a succession of chants which were instantly drowned out by the other 41,000 inside Anfield.

It continued to be one-way traffic with Lallana forcing another smart stop after turning Firmino's cross goalwards.

Van Gaal took action at the break – brining on Michael Carrick for the rookie Rashford and going to three at the back.

The extra man in midfield enabled United to briefly gain a foothold in the tie with Schneiderlin belatedly testing Mignolet.

The Belgian keeper didn't have much to do but what he did was faultless. Mignolet was off his line smartly to punch clear off the head of Anthony Martial.

Coutinho's spectacular strike was tipped over by De Gea but Klopp could see that the initiative had been lost. His response was to take off Sturridge and bring on Joe Allen with Firmino pushed further forward.

Briefly, there looked to be a danger of Liverpool dropping off and looking to hold on to what they had. They were inviting pressure.

Incensed, Klopp raced to the touchline, demanding they continued to take the fight to United. The warning was heeded as the Reds stepped up a gear and finished with a flourish.

Clyne's piledriver was turned away before Henderson fired over from Lallana's pull-back.

With 17 minutes to go the dominant Reds finally found a way past De Gea.

Carrick made a hash of dealing with Henderson's low cross. Lallana pounced and squared for Firmino to gleefully convert.

Anfield erupted. Revenge was sweet. Liverpool have one foot in the quarter-finals.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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