Liverpool 0 - Manchester United 1: Wayne Rooney scores again to sink rivals at Anfield

WAYNE ROONEY'S fourth goal in four games ensured Manchester United secured all three points against rivals Liverpool at Anfield.

 

Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring the winning goal for Manchester United at Anfield

 

The 30-year-old, who has come under criticism for his lack of goals this season, proved he's still got it when he volleyed United into the lead on 78 minutes.

With both teams coming off the back of thrilling 3-3 draws we expected goals but they were hard to come by in this lively clash. 

The game began with both sides jostling for supremacy with Lucas Leiva and Marouane Fellani clashing heads early on - summing up the heated rivalry between the two sides. 

But it was Liverpool who created the first chance of the game with Adam Lallana latching onto Lucas' long ball which brought out a smart save from David De Gea, but his parried effort fell to Roberto Firmino who beat his man but put his shot wide off the mark. 

Jurgen Klopp's men continued to dictate play and after 31 minutes they orchestrated another chance to take the lead with Jordan Henderson finishing off a lovely team move with a well struck shot, but it dragged agonisingly wide of the far post. 

United did create half a chance at the end of the first half when Anthony Martial eased past Nathaniel Clyne, but the Frenchman failed to get a shot away as Liverpool cooled the attack with some excellent defending. 

The second half continued with Liverpool on the front-foot with Henderson getting in another shot on goal, but his shot was hit straight at De Gea and saved comfortably. 

The Liverpool chances did not stop there though as De Gea was forced into a double save this time, with the Spain international brilliantly parrying Emre Can's powerful shot before clawing away Firmino's rebounded effort away from danger. 

Under Louis van Gaal United have failed to create chances but Rooney ensured the one clear-cut chance they did have counted as he volleyed the Red Devils into the lead when his strike from a Juan Mata corner found the net. 

This send the travelling fans wild with Marcos Rojo, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones joining in the celebrations in the away end. 

United continued to come under threat from Liverpool but they held firm to seal the three points. 

This win sees United leapfrog West Ham into 5th, while Liverpool stay ninth.