An age-long rivalry was back on Sunday, with Liverpool hosting Manchester United. It was Van Gaal’s fourth game against Liverpool and Klopp’s first.
Kloop’s Liverpool side dominated the game, but could not do much with their possession, ultimately leading to their loss. It was Wayne Rooney who dealt the decisive blow in the 78th minute of a keenly contested match.
Rooney’s goal was his fifth goal in four games, a close range snapshot after Marouane Fellaini had hit the bar. The shot that became the winning goal, was United’s only shot on target, but it was enough to give visiting manager Louis van Gaal his fourth win over Liverpool in four games and a first away victory since the 2-1 success at Watford on November 21.
Reacting to the victory, Vaan Gaal said, “When you beat Liverpool, it is good for the fans and for the table as our competitors also lose points,” It is a big step in a good direction and I am very happy.
“In the second half we played much better and kept the ball better and created chances, and Wayne Rooney makes the fantastic goal again.”
For Klopp, it was a different feeling: “It’s a derby and you have one job — to win it,” said a disappointed Klopp.
“United would have to say they were not so good, but they won so they’re happy. We played better, but we feel frustrated.”
The victory for United has taken United to within 2points of a champions league place, after displacing West Ham from 5th position.
