Premier League: Rashford brace hunts down Liverpool as Manchester United wins 2-1

The Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford erupted with joy and passion after the final whistle, as Manchester United grind out a 2-1 victory against Liverpool.

The brilliance of Marcus Rashford was enough to secure a hard fought 2-1 victory of arch rivals Liverpool. Their excellent first-half performance which was quite an attacking one, surprised many as Jose Mourinho is known to be a defensive tactician in the big games.

The Portuguese played an ‘Anti-Mourinho’ tactical card and the result would surely be a pleasing one for The Red Devils’ fans. Marcus Rashford scored twice in the space of ten first half minutes, hence becoming the youngest player to score a brace for Manchester United against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s side were without Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial who were both out from injuries and new signing Alexis Sanchez struggling to make an impact, it was Rashford who took the responsibility to give the Red Devils a dream start.

Liverpool tried to create few chances and were awarded a number of set-pieces but were unable to capitalise. The visitors were in an attacking mood (as usual) in the second half but failed to find the back of the net.

United did almost nothing to increase their well-deserved advantage. They defended on the edge of their box and broke the play up whenever they could. It was United defender Eric Bailly flicked an own goal in the 70 minute mark to raise some hopes for the visiting team, but Manchester United defenders were doing what they do the best, defending everything that came towards their goal.

"These are always big games. It's very tight battling for second position and we want to make sure we get that spot" Marcus Rashford said after the final whistle.

Manchester United now has a breathing space with five points clear from their closest rivals for the battle of second spot as the Premier League march towards its last stage of the season.