Wayne Rooney scores with Manchester United’s only shot on target
Manchester United have the bragging rights after completing the double over Liverpool this season thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal in the second-half.
The fierce-rivals both went into the game off mid-week 3-3 draws, with United conceding in the last-minute against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, and Liverpool scoring a last-minute goal against Arsenal at Anfield.
The reverse fixture earlier this season saw United win 3-1, with Anthony Martial marking his name in English football with a debut strike, but this game was less eventful.
Summary
In truth it was a poor game and 0-0 would probably have been a fair result, but it was Rooney who was on hand to turn home for Louis van Gaal‘s men 12-minutes from time.
The first-half was a very quiet affair, with few chances for either side, but it was Liverpool who came closest when an Adam Lallana header was saved by David De Gea, before Roberto Firmino fired the rebound wide.
Jordan Henderson had a handful of shots, but all were off target, and the two sides went into the interval goalless.
The second-half was more of the same, Liverpool chances but no way past De Gea.
Emre Can came closest with a thunderous long-range shot, but the Spaniard denied the midfielder in solid fashion.
Then, with 12-minutes left, Liverpool conceded from yet another corner-kick as a Marouane Fellaini header came back off the bar into the path of Rooney, who thumped home past Simon Mignolet.
The hosts didn’t really create anything to respond to going 1-0 down and that’s how the game ended.
United’s win puts them fifth in the table on 37 points, while Liverpool remain 9th on 31.
Match Reaction
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talking to BBC Sport: “I didn’t see too many chances for Manchester United and we didn’t take ours. Of course it is frustrating. We lost a game that we should not have lost.
“The goal was to defend and we didn’t do it. That is our responsibility. We have to defend set pieces better.
“We did really well creating the chances, but there were a lot of situation where we could have created more chances and didn’t. There were a lot of things but we lost in a derby against Manchester United so I can’t be very positive at this moment so soon after the game.”
Louis van Gaal talking to BBC Sport: “We have survived the first-half, we didn’t keep the ball to much and they pressed and pressured. But in the second-half we came into the match and kept the ball more and created chances and scored the winning goal, I’m happy, the players are happy and the fans more happy.
“We know Wayne Rooney has played for Everton and now plays for United so he wants to score against Liverpool, it means a lot for him.
“The goal came from the first indirect corner and we ask for that as it always more dangerous. The ball from Mata was perfect, as was the header from Fellaini, but he didn’t have the luck that Wayne does.
“Now we have made a good start in 2016, to beat Liverpool for the second time in a row is it marvellous, it gives a big boost for the players and the fans so I hope it shall continue with winning. That is why we are here, to win our games and at end of the season to be in the first three positions of the league.”
Manchester United’s Liverpool-born matchwinner Wayne Rooney talking to BBC Sport: “This is a special feeling, obviously. It is always great to score at your rivals and, against Liverpool for this football club, it is a massive result. On a personal note it doesn’t get much better.
“For my goal, I know Simon Mignolet is a very good goalkeeper and there were players trying to cover so I just tried to put my foot through it and take whoever was in the way with it! Thankfully it went in and won us the game.
“Today the performance wasn’t that important – the result was all that mattered.”
Wayne Rooney on Sky Sports: “Everyone knows the importance of this game – regardless of league positions, it is a massive football game and it is a great victory. We needed the three points and to continue the start to this year, so it is a massive win for us.”
On setting a new record for Premier League goals scored at one club: “I didn’t know! 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.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
