Old Trafford legend Rio Ferdinand may be regretting the optimistic verdict he delivered on Manchester United last summer after his former club were humiliated by Liverpool once again.
The Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 at Anfield on Tuesday night having also suffered a 5-0 drubbing by their arch-rivals back in October. United had no answer for Liverpool's dazzling attackers, midfield dominance and defensive solidity, showing why one team is challenging for the Premier League title and the other is struggling in the race for the top four.
Few predicted Liverpool would be 22 points ahead of United at this stage of the season last summer, on the back of their dismal 2020/21 campaign.
The Reds were ravaged by injuries and could only finish third in an underwhelming defence of their title.
United, in contrast, finished second - five points ahead of Liverpool - and appeared to be making strides under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Ferdinand was pleased with the progress he saw and declared the Red Devils had overtaken Liverpool while speaking last June.
"I think in the league we've got what we wanted, which was an improvement," the former England centre-back told Goal . "I think Man United at the end of last season finished 30-odd points behind Liverpool. Liverpool are now behind us and they'll have their excuses and reasons why but the cold facts are that we have gained that much ground on them that we've gone past them this season.
"That shows vast improvement and we’re second in the league. By no means are we the finished article but I think at the beginning of the season if you'd said you'd finish second in the league from where we were I think they'd have snapped your hand off."
Did Manchester United ever truly overtake Liverpool last season? Have your say in the comments...
United's apparent progress under Solskjaer came to an abrupt end this season and the Norwegian was sacked in November after a disastrous run of results. A 4-1 defeat by Watford was the final nail in the coffin after embarrassing losses to Liverpool and Manchester City. Ralf Rangnick was brought in as Solskjaer's replacement but he has failed to bring about the drastic upturn in form which the club's hierarchy hoped for.
The defeat at Anfield in midweek leaves United three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who have played one game fewer, so their hopes of Champions League qualification are teetering. Liverpool, meanwhile, are aiming to add the Champions League, FA Cup and league titles to the Carabao Cup they won in February to complete the quadruple.
