Mourinho was able to pick his first victory over Liverpool as a Manchester united manager thanks to a Marcus Rashford’s double in the first half. The fixture was heavily dominated by Mohammed Salah, Alexis Sanchez, Saidu Mane, Romelu Lukaku and Roberto Firminho as the possible names that could decide the result but it was the England international that made headlines with 2 strikes with 10 minutes interval. Eric Bailey own goal could be seen as a consolation.
Jose Mourinho plagued by injuries decide to adopt a 4-2-3-1 one which saw the likes of Bailey,Rashford, Mata and Mc-tominay make the squad with the remain regulars retaining their spot. Kloop sticked with his favored 4-3-3 with a mid-field trio of James Milner, Emre Can and Oxlade-Chamberlain with Arnolds and in the full-back positions.
The game began with Liverpool retaining and winning possession while united were choked at the middle of the park. The fluid tactics of Liverpool team almost destroyed the United’s organization as Mane, Firminho and Mane roamed the middle of the park. Liverpool have the second best attacking trio in the top division this season but that can’t be said about their defence. It took only 14 minutes before the frailty of their defence was exposed in the game. A pullout by De Gea was won by Romelu Lukaku with the Belgian muscling out Lovren to give a little flick to Rashford.
Rashford out-run Arnold in winning the ball and also outsmarted the full back by cutting the ball to his right foot before guiding the ball pass Karius into the back of the net. Barely 10 minutes later another defensive error gifted united a 2-0 lead as Rashford had his brace. A pullout made by De Gea was won by Romelu Lukaku after areal contest with Dejan Lovren, the Belgian released Sanchez on goal but the Chilean missed before Rashford’s rebound hit the target. United should have made it 3 with Mata but the Spaniard missed his over-head kick after a perfect cross from Alexis Sanchez. The Second interval began with Liverpool seeking for redemption as the pressed and dominated the game. They will sure feel unlucky after being denied a penalty from Valencia’ handball and Young obstruction of Mohammed Salah. The introduction of Adam Lallana brought in life to the Reds as it lead to Eric Bailey’s own goal to keep the game open. Solanke and Wjanaldum were Introduced as Liverpool searched for a leveler late on in the game but Manchester united were able to hold on to the lead till the final whistle.
The result means that Manchester United might have tactically cemented the second position. Liverpool will now thread with caution as their top 4 status is not cemented yet. A Chelsea win against Crystal Palace could reduce the gap to 5 points with 8 games to go.