Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli appeared to hit back at Manchester United supporters by raising his middle finger to them while leaving Anfield on Sunday.

As the Italy international left the ground following his side's 2-1 defeat to their arch rivals, United fans began chanting, "what a waste of money".

The 24-year-old, who joined the Reds for £16m from AC Milan last September, was also reportedly subjected to "City reject" chants, which refers to Balotelli's three-year spell at Manchester City.

According to The Mirror, Balotelli took a photo or video of the United fans with his phone before showing his middle finger.

Liverpool are now five points behind their fourth-placed rivals.