The day Dirk Kuyt sent Anfield into a frenzy, while Luis Suarez proved he could do the unthinkable.

Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United was a rare highlight in the 2010/11 season. Under Roy Hodgson, the Merseyside club carried high expectations from fans but failed to deliver consistently.

Kenny Dalglish stepped in as Hodgson’s replacement. Just before his 60th birthday, he led The Reds to a 3-1 triumph against United on March 6, 2011.

It was a dazzling performance by Dirk Kuyt. Since Peter Beardsley in 1990, the Dutch star became the first Liverpool player to score a hat-trick against the Red Devils. Meanwhile, new signing Luis Suarez shone brightly, relentlessly tormenting United’s defense.

Despite the memorable win, Liverpool finished the season in sixth place, while Manchester United claimed the Premier League title.

Below, we take a look at the Liverpool players who featured in that iconic 2011 match.

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina

A familiar name at Anfield, Pepe Reina made 394 appearances for Liverpool. He ranks third in the club’s history for clean sheets, with 177 to his name.

Reina was part of Spain’s golden era from 2008 to 2012. He left Liverpool for Bayern Munich in 2014 after losing his spot to Simon Mignolet, following a loan spell at Napoli.

Reina is still playing today, having returned to Villarreal, his former club before joining Liverpool in 2005. Prior to that, he was with Lazio.

Right-Back: Glen Johnson

Described by Rafa Benitez as the “missing piece” after Liverpool’s near-miss in the 2008/09 Premier League race, Johnson was one of the few players guaranteed a regular spot during the club’s transitional period.

He departed for Stoke in 2015 after 200 appearances for The Reds. Injuries hampered his career, and by age 33, he played his final professional match.

Today, Johnson is a frequent presence on UK television broadcasts.

Center-Back: Martin Skrtel

The Slovakian defender played over 320 matches for Liverpool after joining from Zenit in 2008.

Skrtel left Anfield in 2016 for Fenerbahce, later moving to Atalanta and Istanbul Basaksehir. Persistent injuries forced him to retire last season while at Spartak Trnava.

Center-Back: Jamie Carragher

Carragher devoted his entire career to Liverpool, making 737 appearances over 17 years, the most in the club’s history.

He retired in 2013 after winning nine trophies. Many expected him to pursue coaching, but he chose punditry instead. He’s now a prominent Sky Sports analyst alongside Gary Neville.

Left-Back: Fabio Aurelio

A talented left-back, Aurelio’s career was marred by persistent injuries.

Over six years at Liverpool, he played 134 matches. He had memorable moments, like goals against United and Chelsea, but was often sidelined. After leaving in 2012, he joined Gremio in his native Brazil.

Today, he works as a sports agent and attends Liverpool legends’ matches.

Right Midfielder: Raul Meireles

Known for his tattoos and distinctive hairstyle, the former Portugal international spent just one season at Liverpool but left his mark with goals against Everton, Chelsea, and Wolves.

He joined Chelsea and won the Champions League in 2012. After moving to Fenerbahce, he claimed a Turkish league title before retiring at 33.

Central Midfielder: Lucas Leiva

The Brazilian midfielder won over Liverpool fans after a tough start. He made 350 appearances for the club.

Lucas joined from Gremio in 2007. This summer, he returned to his boyhood club after five successful seasons at Lazio.

Central Midfielder: Steven Gerrard

Regarded as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, Gerrard ranks third in appearances and fifth in goals for the club.

Beyond his magical moments, his emotional farewell in 2015 remains etched in Anfield lore. He’s undeniably a club legend.

After retiring at LA Galaxy, he returned to Liverpool to coach the U18s in 2017. He later led Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title in 2021. He currently manages Aston Villa.

Left Midfielder: Maxi Rodriguez

Though his time at Liverpool was brief, Maxi Rodriguez earned fans’ affection with his intelligent play. The Argentine scored hat-tricks against Birmingham and Fulham.

After Brendan Rodgers took over in 2012, Rodriguez left and played for another decade, including stints at Uruguay’s Penarol and his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.

He retired at 40 in 2021 after his final match against Banfield.

Forward: Dirk Kuyt

Kuyt’s three goals against United marked his only Liverpool hat-trick. As he described, “the total distance to score those three goals was barely three meters,” yet it remains an unforgettable Anfield moment.

The Dutchman was valued for his work rate, team play, and knack for goals. He left for Fenerbahce in 2012, winning the Turkish league, then returned to Feyenoord, where he claimed a Dutch title in 2017.

Kuyt is now the head coach of ADO Den Haag, having taken the role this summer.

Forward: Luis Suarez

Suarez electrified Liverpool fans during his time at the club.

Joining on the final day of the 2011 winter transfer window, he made 133 appearances and scored 82 goals. However, controversies involving Patrice Evra and Branislav Ivanovic, plus a near-move to Arsenal, stirred debate.

After leaving for Barcelona in 2014, he won the Champions League and formed a historic attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Neymar. He later joined Atletico Madrid, winning La Liga.

This summer, at 35, he returned to his first club, Nacional, in his native Uruguay.

Substitute: Sotirios Kyrgiakos

The Greek defender played 49 matches for Liverpool, scoring three goals.

Kyrgiakos moved to Wolfsburg in 2011. He later had a loan spell at Sunderland before ending his career with Sydney Olympic in Australia.

In a 2020 interview, he said, “Playing for a club as big as Liverpool was a major milestone. It was something truly special in my career.”

Substitute: Andy Carroll

Carroll joined Liverpool from Newcastle in January 2011, alongside Suarez, becoming the club’s most expensive signing at the time.

Despite scoring in the FA Cup semi-final and final, he struggled with injuries and moved to West Ham. He returned to Newcastle in 2019.

Last season, he played for Reading and West Brom. He’s currently a free agent.

Substitute: Joe Cole</2>

After leaving Chelsea in 2010 on a free transfer, Cole’s time at Liverpool was underwhelming. He was sent off in his Premier League debut for the club and struggled to settle.

He was loaned to Lille and later joined West Ham in 2012/13.

Cole retired after spells at Coventry and Tampa Bay Rowdies. He coached Chelsea’s youth teams and now works as a pundit for BT Sport.