Liverpool and Manchester United, one of the two greatest clubs in Britain continued their rivalry tonight as they played out an entertaining match in the Europa League round of 16.
Van Gaal put faith in the young trio of Depay, Martial and Rashford to lead the line, while Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool coach started with Sturridge and Firmino as his focal point in attack.
Liverpool started the match with a lot of aggression in the first five minutes, but Man U got control of the game and asserted their possession based football as the game wore on.
In the 18th minute, the referee made a some what controversial decision by awarding a penalty kick to Liverpool after Man U attacker Memphis Depay slightly tripped Nathaniel Clyne in the penalty box, Daniel Sturridge rightly placed the penalty and Liverpool were up 1-0.
Liverpool after scoring romped up more pressure on Man U, the United defenders looked confused and agitated as Liverpool's attackers held more of the ball and they had goalkeeper David De Gea to thank for making a quick fire save that would have resulted in another goal for the home team.
Liverpool had 73% possession against Man U with 15 minutes of the first half to go, a first for any team against Man U this season, such was their swagger on the ball. Firminio, Lallana and Sturridge were controlling game play and De Gea had to make string of saves for Man U, but Liverpool were still in the ascendancy as half time approached.
Man U began the second half with pace, panache and perseverance on the ball but had no end product o how for all their ball control and tactical game-play.
Jurgen Klopp introduced Joe Allen for Daniel Sturridge with less than 30 minutes of normal time to go , hoping to get some stability on their midfield line which was now being hung out to dry by a reinvigorated Manchester side.
A quick counter from Liverpool resulted in a goal by Firmino after a mistake from Carrick resulted in the Brazilian being clear on goal to slot in. 2-0.
Man U knowing now they needed an away goal quickly, still fumbled and made a lot of incomplete forward passes much to the dismay of Man U fans in the away end of the stadium.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, a champions league and World Cup winner was introduced into the game with 15 minutes to go, with United still trailing by two goals.
Herrera was also introduced, United mustered little effort, but Liverpool ran out happy and well deserved winners in this first leg clash.
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