The first leg of the much-anticipated European contest between Liverpool and Manchester United finished up as a decidedly comfortable 2-0 victory for the Merseysiders.
Daniel Sturridge’s first half penalty was added to by Roberto Firmino’s strike in the 73rd minute, and a delirious Anfield was sent home with a collectively smug grin.
United, on the other hand, have it all to do in the return leg at Old Trafford next week, and will be left to reflect on what was an abject showing in a game of such significance to their fans.
Social media was full of praise for Liverpool’s performance from the neutrals…
Klopp is gradually transforming Liverpool into an energetic, coherent unit, in a way that Van Gaal has failed to do with Manchester United.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 10, 2016
Liverpool will get where they want to be under Klopp, or close to it. It's very hard to see Man Utd doing that under LVG.
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) March 10, 2016
Full time at Anfield: Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0. #LFC energetic and vibrant, #MUFC clunky and lifeless. De Gea kept Utd (just about) in the tie
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKay) March 10, 2016
Liverpool outstanding tonight but that must be right down there with one of Manchester United most dismal Anfield displays of the modern era
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) March 10, 2016
And of course from the Liverpool fans themselves, many of which couldn’t resist a dig at their fierce rivals…
Crowd great. Players great. Let's take a 2/3 win to Old Trafford. Up the Reds. Come on. JG
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) March 10, 2016
— Fields of Anfield Road 🇵🇸 (@FOAnfieldRoad) March 10, 2016
Brilliant performance by Liverpool. Outclassed United all over the pitch. Skipper led by example. Lallana & Firmino superb! #LFC
— Jamie Holme (@JamieHolme) March 10, 2016
Word for Joey Allen who worked his little socks off and played the game down for Liverpool.
— "YNWA" The Story of Liverpool FC (@LFCHistoryShow) March 10, 2016
Let's take a moment and laugh at Manchester United😂😂😂😂😂
— Captain Awesome (@salamson01) March 10, 2016
No need to be upset Scholes…. pic.twitter.com/JUcduODwrD
— It's Foz Footy (@itsfozfootball) March 10, 2016
United fans, on the other hand, were not happy with what they saw…
Some strong words from Scholes tonight but i agree with everything he has said, we are a shambles and it has to change and fast #mufc
— Paul 𝕏 Manc Bald and Bred (@MufcWonItAll2) March 10, 2016
FT: #LFC 2-0 #MUFC out fought, out played and probably out of the Europa too. That was just awful. Gutless. pic.twitter.com/jG586y6EZv
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) March 10, 2016
A poor performance from a poor team in a poor competition. Almost everything about United has become second rate.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) March 10, 2016
The highlight of my night has been discovering that #lfc autocorrects to #KFC.
— Jon Taylor (@jontaylor91) March 10, 2016
Meant to be Man United and we do that, We were lucky not to lose 5-0, Liverpool didn't even have to try, shocking, absolutely mockery!
— Jordan Hurst (@jordyhurst) March 10, 2016
Next Thursday should be interesting.
