Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson was silenced by a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick as Liverpool stunned the EPL leaders with a 3-1 Anfield win on Sunday.

Ferguson, charged by the FA for comments made after the defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday night, refused to speak to the media after his team’s second defeat in a row.

The Scot wouldn’t even talk to United’s own television channel as he awaits charges for remarks made about the referee after the Chelsea game.

United coach Brian McClair and their players also refused to face the cameras and the microphones after a game that throws the EPL title race wide open.

Arsenal, who could only manage a scoreless draw at home to Sunderland on Saturday, are now three points behind United with a game in hand.

The latest United defeat is also a boost for Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs as they chase the league leaders.

Ferguson, who already has a two game sideline ban hanging over him from last season, had cancelled his usual press conference in the build-up to the Liverpool game.

He also refused to speak to media rights holders after the game, a move that will be investigated by the Premier League.

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez scored a late consolation for United but, like the rest of their players, also blanked the media afterwards.

Injured captain Rio Ferdinand, who wasn’t at the game, offered the only comment from the United camp via Twitter.

“Bad result today no excuses,” stated the England skipper.

A United spokesman did confirm that Nani’s shin injury, picked up in an ugly tackle from Jamie Carragher, will be assessed on Monday.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish called his team’s 3-1 win over Manchester United the highlight of their season – and urged his team to build on the result that throws the EPL title race wide open.

The Scot did admit afterwards however that his team have some way to go before they can challenge United as regular title contenders.

“The closer you get to the top the more difficult it is to close the gap,” said Dalglish.

“Moving from 20th to sixth is not as big a problem as moving from two to one so the higher you go the more difficult the step up is.

“United are a great benchmark but our season is not finished. We got our reward for the victory in three points in the league but we just want to keep going and get as many as we possibly can.

“The owners are determined to move the club forward within reason, whatever that is going to be they will do their best to provide it. But the players who played there did not do themselves any harm in terms of being part of the club going forward.”

Dutch striker Kuyt scored his first hat-trick for the club and the first for any Liverpool player against United in more than 20 years.

“It’s perfect,” Kuyt told Sky Sports 1. “You dream about the hat-trick and to do it against United is the best feeling ever.

“I’m more than happy but I have to thank Luis Suarez because he played great and created two of the goals.
“They were quite easy goals, I used to score them in Holland when I played more like a striker. They count and I’m more than happy to take them.”

BRIEFS

Reports in England claim Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson will rebuild his squad with a £100million spending spree in the summer when targets will include Tottenham’s Gareth Bale, Aston Villa striker Ashley Young, Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, Everton’s Jack Rodwell, Southampton teenager Alex Chamberlain and Ajax goalkeeper

Maarten Stekelenburg. Fergie has again been linked with Liverpool goalie Pepe Reina.

German side Hamburg could move for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton if current talks break down on a new deal at St James’s Park. Newcastle meanwhile have been linked with Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro.

Real Madrid’s Argentinean midfielder Fernando Gago is wanted by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish.

Everton could join Liverpool in the chase for Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard.

Manchester City want Benfica full-back Fabio Coentrao who has a £25m buy-out clause in his contract.

Turkish sides Besiktas and Galatasaray will move for Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye in the summer.

QPR will sign Birmingham midfielder Lee Bowyer if they win promotion to the Premier League.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean is under pressure to keep his job after the EPL defeat at Fulham.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed reports that he will quit the club to return to Italy with Roma.

German club Hoffenheim want Everton manager David Moyes as their next boss.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will be fit to face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday but Barca captain Carlos Puyol will miss the big game.

Kolo Toure will be welcomed back to training by Manchester City on Monday despite his suspension for failing a drugs test.

Bayern Munich have joined the list of clubs interested in Aston Villa’s England star Ashley Young.

Chelsea will offer £40million for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale this summer.

Young Barcelona winger Jeffren Suarez is being watched by Liverpool.

Striker Jermain Defoe wants to score his 100th Tottenham goal against AC Milan on Wednesday after grabbing two in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Wolves.