Klopp's reaction to Ronaldo's controversial tackle vs Liverpool

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Cristiano Ronaldo should not have been sent off during his team's 5-0 win against Manchester United.

The Portuguese forward, 36, twice kicked the ball into Reds youngster Curtis Jones as he laid down on the floor but escaped with just a yellow card.

Ronaldo's actions appeared to be out of frustration as United had just conceded a third goal shortly before the half-time break.

Many believe he was fortunate not to receive a red card, with Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler telling viewers on commentary: " Liverpool feel that the punishment was a lenient one."

While one fan on social media tweeted: "It's a clear red, doesn't matter if he kicked the ball, he kicked at Jones after the whistle was blown - twice."

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Cristiano Ronaldo was not sent off for this challenge on Curtis Jones ( Image:

REUTERS)

And one supporter even joked: "Think it was more of a punishment to make him play the second half!"

But Reds manager Klopp has since admitted he was happy to see Ronaldo stay on the pitch, telling reporters: "I saw it, of course.

"For me it looked like it [a red] but in the end I got told it wasn't because he made contact with the ball.

"I don't want Cristiano getting a red card. I got convinced - or told, at least - it was fine."

Klopp was gracious in victory after the drubbing, sending a classy message to under fire United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Liverpool icon told reporters: "Of course [I have sympathy]. The last thing I'd want to be is in his shoes in this moment.

"In the moments when you lose a derby you don't want to go and answer questions, so it's for sure not nice for him."

Goals from Naby Keita, Diogo Jota and a hat-trick from Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool claim their biggest victory against United since 1925 - and their biggest ever at Old Trafford.

Discussing his team's performance, Klopp added: "What can I say? Did I expect that? No. What we did in the last third was insane.

Jurgen Klopp was glad to see Ronaldo stay on the pitch ( Image:

Getty Images)

"Pressing high, winning balls, scored wonderful goals. I told them at half-time to play better. We started incredibly well and stopped playing football.

"We controlled the game after the fifth, it was not about scoring more, just trying to get out without more injuries.

"The result is insane, I asked if there was one like this in history and if there isn't then it will take a while. The players put a nice piece in the book.

"It is special but we don't celebrate like crazy, we have respect for the opponents. We were lucky in some moments, United are not in their best moment."

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Shortly after the match, Ronaldo published a message to Red Devils fans on Instagram. He wrote: "Sometimes the result is not the one we fight for.

"Sometimes the score is not the one we want. And this is on us, only on us, because there's no one else to blame.

"Our fans were, once again, amazing in their constant support. They deserve better than this, much better, and it's up to us to deliver. The time is now!