IT was a mischievous act impossible to ignore. As the visiting supporters filed into Old Trafford yesterday, they were greeted to the strains of EMF, The Farm, The Shamen and Adamski.

A curious choice? Not quite. All were artists very much of their time, all songs that seem out of place with modern trends – and all big hits from 1990, the year Liverpool last ruled the roost in English football.

Manchester United’s 26-year wait to win the title before lifting the first Premier League crown in 1993 has meant their supporters have elephantine memories ingrained into their DNA.

And it’s a trait that is slowly being acquired by Liverpool’s fans; certainly, the Old Trafford DJ is unlikely to be changing his playlist for their visit any time soon.

Of course, it didn’t need this latest defeat to their most bitter rivals to underline how far the Anfield outfit have fallen since their historic 4-1 triumph here just 18 tumultuous months ago.

But coming on the same weekend it emerged co-owner Tom Hicks is striving for a refinancing package to take sole control of the club, the pain of this setback, and the manner of it, will be acutely felt.

Now, with his team having taken just five points from as many games, Roy Hodgson has acquired the stigma of overseeing Liverpool’s worst start to a league season since 1992.