Louis van Gaal eyes title after another double over Liverpool

Wayne Rooney continued his return to form at Anfield on Sunday, striking 12 minutes from time to earn Manchester United a 1-0 win against fierce rivals Liverpool.

“Van Gaal is very keen on telling us that they have done what they have trained, so praising himself”, said Schmeichel. This game shall give a big boost to the players, to the fans, to everybody in the environment of Manchester United, and we have to continue of course.

Goalkeepers were on top at Britannia Stadium, too, with Stoke’s Jack Butland and Arsenal’s Petr Cech getting most of the plaudits after a tight, tense game.

“In the first half we didn’t keep the ball and we have survived the first half”.

Massive 3 points for us today. Four teams block United’s path back to the top of the table and they have still to play Tottenham, Manchester City, West Ham and Chelsea away as well as Arsenal and Leicester at home before the season is out.

Rooney’s status as United and England’s main man is often questioned – but once again he proved he remains, along with the outstanding De Gea, one of Van Gaal’s most crucial players.

“We played better but feel frustrated because there were many things that were good, but our finishing was not good otherwise we would have scored a goal”.

The former Chelsea playmaker came off the bench for the second consecutive game to play a crucial part in the only goal of the game, providing a flawless assist to Marouane Fellaini’s header which came off the bar before Wayne Rooney scored the victor in the visitors’ only shot on target in the whole match. “It is great to have records but scoring a winning goal at Anfield, it’s been a long time since that happened for me, so I will be a bit selfish today and enjoy that one”.

Liverpool host League two outfit Exeter City in an FA Cup third round replay on Wednesday, before travelling to Carrow Road to face Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday. I have been involved in these games and I know how much it means for everyone.

They kicked off lying in ninth and sixth place in the standings, respectively, and the first half showed just why.

“The goal was to defend and we didn’t do it. That is our responsibility”.

“So at this moment, it is only frustration, but we have to carry on, and we will”.

The Reds manager was willing to admit to his disappointment that Liverpool had lost a game due to their failings in front of goal.