Liverpool loss highlights problems for Man Utd brand

Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Manchester United - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - December 16, 2018 Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates scoring their third goal with Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum REUTERS/Phil Noble

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester United's owners pride themselves on their club being the biggest brand in world football, a global product with millions of followers worldwide. But for how long will that boast last?

For after Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, they must surely be aware that there is only so much failure a brand can endure before it begins to be seriously tarnished.