Carlo Ancelotti's past claims about Liverpool re-emerge as Man Utd prove Real boss right

Past comments made by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti have emerged after Liverpool thrashed Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds scored six second half goals as United fell apart at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez all netting braces.

The first half of the game was reasonably even, with Gakpo's 43rd-minute strike giving the Reds the lead going into half-time.

United were at least still in the game at that point - but the game was all but done by 50 minutes, with Liverpool 3-0 up.

And it continued to get worse for Ten Hag's side, with individual and collective errors meaning they let in another four goals before half-time in what ended up being, in the context, one of the most devastating defeats in the club's history.

They now must pick themselves up in time for Thursday, when they host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.

Betis could become the second Spanish team to win at Old Trafford this season, with Real Sociedad recording victory in the group stage of the competition.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, defeated Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield - and Ten Hag's side have proven Real boss Ancelotti right after his comments on the Reds' home stadium.

Ancelotti comments re-emerge after Liverpool thrashing

Speaking prior to the Champions League last 16 first leg clash between the two sides last month, Ancelotti indicated that his players would have to put on their best display at Anfield to secure victory.

They went on to do just that, although had to withstand heavy pressure from the Reds in the opening half hour. After going 2-0 down inside 15 minutes, Real regrouped and came back to win in stunning fashion.

Ancelotti said: "It's a fantastic stadium with a fantastic atmosphere. We hope to do our best."

After the game, he added (via Liverpool World): "I have to say, honestly, Liverpool is still a fantastic team in my opinion because they are able to still play with the intensity that is difficult to find. Liverpool didn't change - our strategy was different for sure."

The Italian's last comment was a nod to just how difficult it can be for any team to travel to Anfield, even in a season where Jurgen Klopp's side have not been at their dominant best.

But they were ruthless on Sunday against United. And the way in which Ten Hag's side capitulated after half-time only proves Ancelotti's assertions that teams must find a way to combat the Reds' intensity absolutely correct.