The atmosphere in Anfield was electric today for this meeting of English giants. The fixture would prove to be a frustrating match for Liverpool fans who saw their side fall to Manchester United for the fourth time in a row today, despite looking the better team for the majority of the match.

The 194th meeting between the old rivals would prove to be another feisty one. Early on in the first half, Lucas Leiva had some words for United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who had stamped on the Brazilian’s toes during a passage of play on the touch-line. Leiva would then go on to lay a tough tackle on Ander Herrera, lucky to not draw a yellow card for his reckless challenge.

Liverpool had the better half of the two teams in the first period with Manchester United struggling to string together any meaningful possession in the game. Adam Lallana had a chance to send Liverpool one up on a chance against David de Gea at the top of the box. The United goalkeeper parried Lallana’s header to the side and would be relieved to see Roberto Firmino’s follow up shot go wide.

Jordan Henderson battles Ashley Young for possession of the ball. (Getty)
Jordan Henderson battles Ashley Young for possession. (Getty)

United struggled to get into the game offensively in the first half as centre-backs Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho broke up any chance through the middle, effectively silencing the goal scoring threat of Wayne Rooney. The Red Devil’s first real chance came in the form of Anthony Martial charging at Toure, who subsequently blocked the young Frenchman’s shot at goal.

A late injury to Ashley Young saw the introduction of 18-year-old Cameron Borthwich-Jackson to the game, shifting United’s defense. The youngster would do well to see the half through goalless as Liverpool controlled the closing minutes of the half.

De Gea saves United once again

Attacking with more intent, United were a far more dangerous threat going forward in the second half. As the game went on, Kolo Toure began to struggle with Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial cutting into the box. Amidst multiple penalty shouts, United would come closest once again through Martial as his shot flashed across the face of goal.

Brilliance from De Gea held United in the game, making a double save off of a rocket from Emre Can. The ball would fall for Roberto Firmino whose attempt to loft the ball to the far post was also bat away by de Gea. Liverpool have struggled to score past the Spaniard the past two seasons, and this game proved no different.

It was Wayne Rooney would shatter Scouse hearts in the 78th minute when the United captain hit home Marouane Fellaini's header off the crossbar. It would prove to be the match winner as Liverpool fans were left bemoaning another corner goal. After this crushing loss, Liverpool fans can only help but wonder if top four is finally out of their grasp as they now ninth and eight points adrift of Champions League qualification.

Rooney celebrates his goal against Liverpool (Getty)
Rooney celebrates his goal against Liverpool (Getty)
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