United fury at Nani KO - The Sun

DIRK KUYT'S treble for Liverpool blew the title race wide open.

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But a horror tackle from Jamie Carragher left Nani's shin wide open too.

United chief executive David Gill confronted referees' head Mike Riley at half-time to vent his fury that Carragher was only booked by Phil Dowd for the Nani challenge.

A picture of Nani's gashed leg was also posted on Twitter by one of United's backroom team.

Kop defender Carragher went into the United dressing room to apologise in person to the United winger, who was carried off on a stretcher.

Hat-trick hero Kuyt scored his first-ever goals against United. But the match boiled over before half-time after Nani was crocked.

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Rafael then sparked a huge pile-up after his thigh was raked by Maxi Rodriguez and he launched a two-footed lunge at Lucas.

In the ensuing melee Luis Suarez pulled the United youngster's hair as players from both sides squared up.

Kuyt made it THREE defeats in FIVE league games for the leaders, for the first time since 2004.

United boss Alex Ferguson refused to speak to ANY media outlet afterwards, including the club's own in-house MUTV station.

The only United reaction was a tweet from crocked centre-back Rio Ferdinand, who wrote: "Bad result today no excuses."

Kuyt's three goals were scored from a combined distance of seven yards.

The Dutch ace said: "To get a hat-trick against United is the best feeling ever. I also have to say thanks to Luis Suarez. He's a great player and created two of my goals.

"There was a lot of confidence in the team. We had the belief that we can compete with the best."

Kop boss Kenny Dalglish said: "The way the players went about their job, their attitude, their desire and the pride they took in the club and themselves is why they got the result.

"United are the benchmark for everyone and they're top."

United could be in hot water with football chiefs for their post-match media blackout.

Ferguson refused to speak to host broadcaster Sky Sports while his assistant, Mike Phelan, also shunned the BBC. Radio rights holders talkSPORT were also left without any comment.

Fergie cancelled his pre-game briefing on Friday in protest at the coverage given to his quotes after Tuesday's defeat at Chelsea.

He blasted ref Martin Atkinson and is appealing an FA improper conduct charge.

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