Image source, AFP

Everything except the finish!

Liverpool suddenly burst into life as Raheem Sterling links with Jordan Henderson and his glorious crossfield sweep is perfectly cushioned into the path of Adam Lallana by Daniel Sturridge.

It sits up a little awkwardly on the half-volley but Lallana will have wanted better than to drill into the hoarding from 12 yards.

Liverpool are still making do with only 36% of possession. Louis van Gaal's United are starving them of supply. It is death by a thousand passes so far for the hosts, who are pressing hard, but with little effect.

Jordan Henderson bombs on into the Manchester United box, trying to add a bit of impetus, but Alberto Moreno's cross is a couple of yards in front of him and David De Gea grabs it with ease.

Image source, AFP

Matt Webster: Moreno's having the worst game of his life here.

Jean-Paul Breyer: United's most expensive player is on the bench for the second time running and they are on top once again. Reality check please.

Ashley Wilkinson: Credit to #MUFC. Finally starting to look like the Utd of old. Very well worked opener and #LFC can't cope with the pressing

Raheem Sterling beats a defender with a neat shift of feet but Michael Carrick is in swiftly to snuff out the danger. Joe Allen wins the ball back, but Daniel Sturridge's cushioned lay-off is not quite accurate enough and is gobbled up by Phil Jones.

Slightly better from Liverpool, but it has been scraps so far.

Gary Lineker
BBC Sport

On Twitter:, external Michael Carrick remains the only natural holding player of excellence available to Roy Hodgson.

Jay Hogaro: Have Manchester United finally found a system that works? What does it say that DiMaria is not involved in it?

Liam Downes: And that is why Herrera and Mata should always play together, such an understanding.

Daniel Sturridge is nearly sprung by a long ball forward, but David de Gea is off his line sharply again to hoof clear.

United are still looking the more likely though. Michael Carrick heads over the top from a corner after Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini cause mischief down the Liverpool left.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Manchester United are having much the better of things in midfield with the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata suddenly looking very much at home.

"Plenty of frustration around Anfield as Liverpool's supporters have not been used to their side being bossed around like this in recent weeks. Daniel Sturridge still on the periphery of the game. Will Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers tweak his formation?"

Dan in London: Rodgers yet again playing Sterling out of position and we've been useless.

Sterling did cause United problems up top on his own in the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford

Neil Lennon
Bolton manager on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, AFP

"Juan Mata's movement's causing Alberto Moreno all sorts of problems. If he doesn't go with him, then Ander Herrera is finding Mata in all sorts of pockets of space. It's causing a headache for Liverpool at the moment.

"United just look like they're so much more confident now."

Phil Jones comes bullocking through to try to win a header ahead of Adam Lallana but is always second best. He clatters through the Liverpool playmaker, leaving Lallana in a crumpled heap.

Nothing doing from referee Martin Atkinson. Steven Gerrard is stood down on the sidelines as Lallana eventually gets to his feet.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Liverpool are renowned for making fast starts but Manchester United have more than matched them and have been rewarded with that goal from Juan Mata. Liverpool are currently struggling to get Daniel Sturridge into the game - but very early days yet."

The atmosphere has drained out of Anfield at the moment. The hosts are not giving much back to their fans either. It has been a strangely limp and lifeless performance so far.

Image source, Getty Images

Bill in Hereford. I'm confused, do Liverpool even want the ball? They're not chasing it at all and when they do rarely get it all they're doing is giving it straight back to United.

How pivotal might that goal prove? For the time being at least, Manchester United are looking at a five-point cushion in the race for Champions League qualification.

Liverpool's first attempt at goal, but it is a wild one as Daniel Sturridge tries something improbable from a tight angle and distance. It is on the volley as well just to make it even harder and his effort, flies high over the top.

Paul Walmsley: Moreno having a mare - giving the ball away and now losing Mata for the goal.

Kuni Poonasamy: Need to hold onto the ball a lot better. Wouldn't mind Lovren on the bench to neutralize Fellaini.

Christos Papaloizou: @AnderHerrera & @juanmata8 complement each other and cooperate so well together.

Liverpool have had just 34% of possession so far. Alberto Moreno looks like he got impatient for a bit of the ball and wandered too far upfield in an attempt to press United.