Mohamed Salah stars as Liverpool crush Manchester United

Liverpool opened a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League after inflicting another comprehensive victory over Manchester United.

Mohamed Salah’s first two goals since February 19 – making it nine in his last six matches against Liverpool’s big rivals – were supplemented by strikes from Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane but the 4-0 scoreline hardly told the whole story.

This was the first time since October 2009 Liverpool had won three successive league matches against United, beaten 5-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season, and pulled them clear of Manchester City, who play Brighton on Wednesday night.

United, who had one shot on target, have now conceded more Premier League goals this season than 18th-placed Burnley, and defeat was a further blow to their top-four hopes.

Such were their injury problems – with Cristiano Ronaldo given compassionate leave after the tragic death of his newborn son – Phil Jones made only his third appearance of the season.

By the time Paul Pogba added to those woes by coming off after 10 minutes his side were already behind.

However, injuries appeared the least of their worries. Getting a touch of the ball was the more pressing concern as Liverpool dominated from the off.