Rooney fires Man United past Liverpool

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney scored his first goal at Liverpool since 2005 to power his side to within two points of the Premier League top four.

In a largely scrappy affair at Anfield, Rooney, who has scored in his last five games, rolled back the years with an instinctive strike after Marouane Fellaini’s header had cannoned off the crossbar.

On-form Rooney struck again for Van Gaal (BBC)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp opted for a more defensive side from the team that started in the 3-3 thriller against Arsenal midweek, with Lucas Leiva coming in for Jordan Ibe, and despite controlling proceedings for much of the encounter, they lacked the cutting edge up front.

Playing as the false nine yet again, Brazilian Roberto Firmino created a couple of decent openings, first for James Milner and then captain Jordan Hendersen with both England internationals spurning the opportunities.

Germany international Emre Can had a fierce shot superbly tipped away by United goalkeeper David de Gea in the second half as Klopp’s men continued to probe.

Fellaini won the crucial knockdown (Mirror)

But they were made to pay when Rooney rifled in from six yards in the 78th minute after Fellaini’s header came off the bar with the Liverpool defence caught flatfooted.

The result takes Louis van Gaal’s side fifth, with Liverpool six points behind on ninth.

Source: BBC