#2 Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United – Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg
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Surprisingly, this was the first time the two most decorated clubs in English football history were drawn against each other in a European competition. This game offered Liverpool a chance to avenge United’s double in the league over them. Liverpool were up for it from the word go.
The rapturous welcome the team bus got before entering Anfield was a signal of things to come. Even then Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal could not stop himself from praising the Anfield atmosphere.
The visitors had absolutely no answer to Liverpool’s pressing. Sturridge put Liverpool in front through a penalty won after Memphis’ silly challenge on Clyne. It looked as if De Gea, who had a terrific game, wouldn’t let Liverpool double their lead but Firmino precisely did that in the 73rd minute with a neat finish after Lallana laid the ball off to him after a bad clearance from Carrick.
Van Gaal’s switch from 4 at the back to 3 paid no dividends.
This was Klopp’s biggest victory till date. Liverpool outplayed Manchester United in every department and the scoreline could have been 5-0 or 6-0 but for De Gea. This was a game that showed Liverpool and Manchester United were heading in the opposite directions under their respective managers.
It seemed as if only one team knew the importance of this fixture.
