Wayne Rooney vowed to enjoy the moment after his first goal at Anfield since 2005 gave Manchester United an opportunistic 1-0 Premier League victory over arch foes Liverpool on Sunday.
Liverpool dominated proceedings on a wintry Merseyside afternoon, but it was Louis van Gaal’s side who prevailed after Marouane Fellaini headed against the bar in the 78th minute and Rooney slammed home the rebound.
It was the England captain’s fifth goal in four games – the first time he has scored in four successive United games since March 2012 – and took his side to within two points of the Champions League places.
“Everyone knows the importance of this game – regardless of league positions, it is a massive football game and it is a great victory,” Rooney told Sky Sports.
“We needed the three points and to continue the start to this year, so it is a massive win for us.”
It was also Rooney’s 176th league goal for United, meaning that he has now surpassed Arsenal great Thierry Henry in terms of Premier League goals scored in the colours of one club.
“I didn’t know,” Rooney said when told of the record.
“It is great to have records, but scoring a winning goal at Anfield, it’s been a long time since that happened for me, so I will be a bit selfish today and enjoy that one.”
Rooney’s strike proved one of the few moments of real class in an otherwise drab north west derby at Anfield.
Liverpool-born Rooney, who began his career at Everton, was perfectly placed to hook a powerful volley past keeper Simon Mignolet, and has now scored in four successive games.
But despite the great heritage of two clubs who have won 38 English titles between them, the latest clash lacked the intensity of some of their titanic battles of the past.
There was little of note in a scrappy first half in which United failed to create any scoring chances and although Liverpool did test United keeper David de Gea, none of their attempts posed a real threat.
The match improved a little as a spectacle after the break with De Gea making two important second half saves from Roberto Firmino and Emre Can to keep his side in the game before Rooney struck.
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