The Liverpool staff felt the Premier League referees "sympathized" with Manchester United

Liverpool staff reportedly felt Premier League referee Anthony Taylor "pathetic" for Manchester United in Sunday's game at Old Trafford.

Jurgen Klopp's side humiliated their opponents by beating them 5-0 at the weekend. Mohammed Salah scored a hat-trick after Nabi Keita and Diogo Horta scored early.

It was Liverpool's biggest win at Old Trafford and put more pressure on Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Paul Pogba was sent off in the second half for a foul on Keita. There are also one or two Manchester United players who could be sent off. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandez were both shown yellow cards for reckless challenges.

Athletic reported that Taylor "sympathized" with United in the defeat.

Their report said: "Although Taylor has privately claimed to be a fan of Altlin Cham, given that he was born and raised in Greater Manchester, more questions have been being asked about his appointment to play in games related to the Manchester club.

"Inside Liverpool, he is considered a competent referee, but in this match, according to sources near the Liverpool bench, Taylor is somewhat sympathetic to Manchester United.

A Liverpool source said: "Manchester United may have been sent off with five red cards in total."

Klopp reportedly believes Fred should be sent off for his provocation against Keita. A few minutes later, the Liverpool midfielder was forced off the field by Pogba's charge.

They added: "In the last game, Griezmann was sent off for doing the same thing to Bobby (Firmino). Where is the consistency?"

In addition, Carragher believes Liverpool are not in "absolute best form" against Manchester United.

"I'm not playing tricks. But I don't think Liverpool are in absolutely the best shape in terms of actual possession.

"Of course, throughout the first half they gave United a chance by conceding the ball, but whenever they passed the ball and bypassed United's four-back... It's just a joke at the four defenders, that's the way the game is played. ”

"It's a mess, a defense of the wedge police. But you won't fully believe what you see. I'm saying in the comments, I'm saying, almost drink this glass of wine in front of the fans who are watching the game at home – it's never going to get any better.

'It's a little bit disappointing that there are still 10 guys in half an hour left, so you don't have a chance to score again.

"Manchester United and Liverpool are probably the biggest opponents in world football. Two big clubs in the North West of England. I have a lot of respect for what these two clubs have achieved, but you don't get that often.

"It's a special Liverpool team with a special coach. The three teams tied for the top spot in the Premier League with Bayern Munich are the best four teams in Europe. We have real strength in the Premier League. ”