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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