Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney pounced to score a 78th-minute winner as his side stunned eternal rivals Liverpool with a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory at a freezing Anfield on Sunday.
Presiding over his first game against United, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp watched his team dominate, but Rooney punished their profligacy with his fifth goal in four games, a close range snapshot after Marouane Fellaini had hit the bar.
It 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.
"When you beat Liverpool, it is good for the fans and for the table as our competitors also lose points," said Van Gaal. "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."
Victory took United to within two points of the Champions League berths and allowed them to reclaim fifth place from West Ham United, leaving Liverpool six points back in ninth place, their top-four hopes fading.
"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.
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