United too easily beaten by bitter rivals Liverpool

Manchester United's slim hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four were ended in miserable fashion on Sunday as bitter rivals Liverpool strolled to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

In a bizarre contest, the Scousers were awarded no fewer than three penalties - Steven Gerrard scoring two then hitting the post as he missed out on a first ever Premier League hat-trick of spot-kicks.

Luis Suarez wrapped up the victory in the closing stages as United, who had Nemanja Vidic sent off, struggled to compete with Brendan Rodgers' men and were deservedly put to the sword.

To make matters worse, the victory is being heralded as a statement of intent that United's fierce Merseyside foes are genuine title contenders. They sit four points behind leaders Chelsea following this emphatic win.

Having shown more ambition and attacking threat, the visitors broke the deadlock on 34 minutes. Rafael's handball gave Gerrard an opportunity from twelve yards, and he delivered to the delight of the travelling Scousers.

The lead was doubled shortly after the interval as Phil Jones conceded a spot-kick following a clumsy collision with Joe Allen. Gerrard again showed composure from the spot - though an unbelievable hat-trick of penalties was later denied by the post after Vidic was adjudged to have felled Daniel Sturridge. United's Serbian defender - dismissed for the challenge - seemed to feel the England frontman had dived.

United continued to struggle, with Robin van Persie, Adnan Januzaj and Juan Mata all failing to make a meaningful contribution to the match. Moyes' misery was compounded as Suarez easily outfoxed United's backline to bag a third goal in the closing stages.

One plus point was United's support, who were tremendous throughout. The fans will be there in force again on Wednesday as Olympiacos travel to Lancashire - but it will need to be a very different United display to keep the European dream alive.

Full Time - Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
Attendance - 75,225