Neil Lennon
Bolton manager on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, AFP

"Manchester Utd have matched Liverpool in the passing and Juan Mata's taken that beautifully with his left foot and then stroked it in with his right.

"The key so far has been Michael Carrick, he's broken up the play and brought confidence to the others with his passing.

"It was a quick, quality crisp pass. A great run from Mata, but the finish was exemplary."

Image source, Reuters

What a pass! Ander Herrera slices the Liverpool defence to shreds with a ball that exposes Alberto Moreno a yard or two out of position.

That is all Juan Mata needs. The Spaniard hares onto the ball and finishes coolly across Simon Mignolet.

Eerie silence inside Anfield apart from a slice that is pure Manchester United joy.

Conor McMeekin: On days like this you realise how disappointing it is that both teams can't lose.

David French: Come on neither Liverpool or Man Utd!!!! Hoping for a 3-3 draw!

Alain Ayers: Hoping for an Anfield draw - Spurs fan ;)

Louis van Gaal talked about it before kick-off and Manchester United are carrying out his orders to a tee, getting their foot on the ball and taking the sting out of the Anfield atmosphere.

There is almost something on the end of it as well. Marouane Fellaini's nod-on almost finding Juan Mata. Mamadou Sakho was across to boot away for Liverpool.

Neil Lennon
Bolton manager on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, AFP

"I have to look at Man Utd's run-in, they're going to play tough teams, the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal. I'm not going to say it's a must-win game for United, but it will be important for them to get something positive out of the game in the race for the Champions League places."

Alberto Moreno gives away the ball and then concedes a free-kick in his eagerness to get it back.

He is spared any further embarrassment though as Jordan Henderson heads away Juan Mata's delivery. There was not a lot of pressure on the Liverpool skipper in his own box.

Image source, Reuters

Philippe Coutinho has looked bright in the early stages, skipping away from Ander Herrera in the opening minutes.

Is there a physical presence in that Manchester United midfield to get close to him? Michael Carrick might struggle on his own.

Dennis Ethan: You'll Never Walk Alone goes on for ages, but what a pleasant, happy tune.

Dan Foye: I reckon every substitute in this match would walk into any Premier League team that's in the bottom half!!

Neil Lennon
Bolton manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's going to be an interesting battle between Blind and Sterling. Sterling snuck in there with the nutmeg early on and there's no questions he will have the legs on Blind in that left-back position. It looks like a tactical change by Brendan Rodgers to deliberately target that area."

First sniff of an opening for Liverpool as Raheem Sterling scampers in behind a dawdling Daley Blind and pokes the ball past the covering Phil Jones.

United goalkeeper David de Gea is off his blocks like Usain Bolt though, sliding out to get to the ball before the Liverpool winger.

Simon Mignolet comes to try and claim and does just enough. Not an entirely convincing start from the Liverpool stopper.

One of his predecessors - David James - had some shockers in this fixture in years past.

Marouane Fellaini allows the ball to get away from him and roll out for a Liverpool goal-kick right in front of the Kop. Massive cheers.

The big Belgian looks like he is being pressed forward in support of Wayne Rooney.

Rooney wins the game's first corner as Martin Skrtel slides in...

Alan Shearer
BBC Sport on MOTD2 Extra

"I think in these particular games you get a bit more leeway. As a referee, to give an early yellow card, isn't a great idea.

"I think they err on the side of caution and as a player, you can maybe get a strong challenge in early that you wouldn't get away with in many other games."

Marouane Fellaini taps the ball to Wayne Rooney and we are up and running.

Image source, Getty Images

A full flag-and-scarf display from the Kop as You'll Never Walk Alone goes acappella.

They are ready. The players are itching for the off. Let's get this one on.

Alan Shearer
BBC Sport on MOTD2 Extra

On Wayne Rooney having not scored in this fixture for 10 years: "You have grounds and you have teams that you feel much more comfortable going to, that you just know you're going to score against.

"I was devastated when Leeds got relegated, as I lost two or three goals a season!

"Maybe this is one fixture that's not that kind to Wayne."

Wayne Rooney has a thousand-yard stare on, refusing to engage with England team-mate Jordan Henderson at his shoulder or give the This is Anfield sign even a glance.

The two captains get the nod from an Anfield underling and emerge into the spring sunshine.

Ben Kaye: What Liverpool fan would buy a scarf which had United emblazoned over half of it, even if it commemorates a match.

John Hill: I hope Jordon Ibe returns soon - in his brief time in the first team, he showed tons of potential.

Karl Bristow: Carrick holds the key to a United victory today. #keyrick

Gary Lineker
BBC Sport

Tough to beat the atmosphere at Anfield when Liverpool play Manchester United. These games matter.

The teams are getting announced over the Anfield tannoy and even from the bench Steven Gerrard is the lightning conductor for the two sets of fans' cheers and jeers.

The home fans roar his name to the rafters, the visiting contingent respond with a well-known ditty about his slip against Chelsea last season.

Teams are in the tunnel.