After a disappointing defeat to Swansea City, Manchester United lined up against their fierce rivals Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Both Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers set their sides up in a disappointingly tentative manner for the big clash. Manchester United had Fellaini as the lone striker, supported by Mata, Depay, and Ander Herrera, with Carrick and Schweinsteiger rounding out what played like a six-man midfield. On the other hand, Liverpool were without the suspended Coutinho due to his red card against West Ham.
After a first half devoid of excitement, both sides loosened up as Luois van Gaal put on Ashley Young for Memphis Depay. Less than five minutes into the second half, the Red Devils pulled ahead with a neatly orchestrated free kick which culminated with Daley Blind curling Juan Mata's setup into the top left corner. Manchester United continued to look the more dangerous side, and when Joe Gomez took down Ander Herrera in the box, the Spaniard capitalized and blasted in the resulting penalty.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Benteke lit up the Liverpool scoreboard with an unstoppable bicycle kick. The Belgian coordinated perfectly in order to claim a spectacular goal, which will surely be a contender for goal of the season. Despite pressing for the equalizer, Liverpool slipped up at the back when United's nineteen year-old substitute Anthony Martial cut inside from the left wing and curled in the final goal to seal the victory.
With this win Manchester United manage to stay in second place, just five points behind their city rivals' lead at the top of the table.
