Five things we learned from Manchester United’s freak Anfield win

Liverpool dominated proceedings on a wintry Merseyside afternoon, but it was Louis van Gaal’s side who prevailed after Marouane Fellaini headed against the bar in the 78th minute and Rooney slammed home the rebound.

Told Liverpool had not won the league since 1990, and asked whether he could envisage United, three years after they were last champions, entering a similarly barren spell, van Gaal said: “I am part of the transition so I cannot imagine that shall happen with Manchester United”.

“There were a lot of chances in the first and second half where we created chances, but we could have had more”.

Manchester United players warm up prior to their Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday.

“You can see his (Klopp’s) hand and that is very important when he is the manager. They had one good finish and it finished 1-0”.

“In this moment it’s only frustrating”.

De Gea thwarted a number of Liverpool efforts in the second half, underscoring his importance to a United side that has often flattered to deceive this season. Both teams need the points.

His team are three points, two places and seven goals worse off after 21 games than at the same stage last season and their dour style has been severely criticised.

The Reds had their chances to grab the lead before Rooney’s goal, but the likes of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana couldn’t convert.

Jurgen Klopp admitted that Liverpool had been punished for being wasteful after their 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United.

The fact that Martial was tracking that far back was representative of United’s dismal first half as Mignolet remained untroubled as the sides went into the break on level terms, with Liverpool the better of the two sides.

Liverpool’s rivalry with United is one of the most intense in English soccer and even after the thrilling draw with Arsenal Klopp was already thinking about United’s visit to Anfield.

Martial threatened in the 56th minute, fizzing a shot wide after Borthwick-Jackson’s cross was deflected into his path, but Liverpool were soon back on top.

“To score the victor at Anfield, 10 years since I last scored…” The passion from the crowd seeped to the players initially as just 8 minutes in, Lucas left Fellaini in a heap on the pitch after a clash of heads. Liverpool have been hit hard by injuries and struggle putting the ball in the net―the likes of City and Arsenal won’t be so careless in front of goal.