Brendan Rodgers showers praise on Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has of late received received widespread criticism from Manchester United supporters.

But Goal understands that restrictions have now been reduced around the Carrington training complex, with players arriving to eat at various times rather than as a whole group, after several senior figures raised the issue with Van Gaal during clear-the-air talks during their festive slump.

The 18-year-old defender replaced Ashley Young to make only his fourth Premier League appearance and Smalling says he showed he can handle the big occasion.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Redknapp believes United could push for the title alongside Arsenal and third-placed Manchester City (poor Leicester) if they can build up momentum in their next two games. “He is playing very good but you cannot say he was a fantastic, marvelous goalkeeper today”. “Today it was important because our competitors lost points and when the gap is like this we can overturn that”. We started 2016 very well with a lot of wins, and we haven’t lost.

Furthermore, he broke Thierry Henry’s record of most goals for a single Premier League club after netting his 176th goal on Sunday.

However, according to post-match reports, the catalyst for Louis van Gaal’s side was anything but tame as a blazing row in the dressing room at half-time sparked the Red Devils into action.

“Liverpool are a very high-pressing team and we knew if we kept a clean sheet we would have a chance to win the game”.

With leader Arsenal drawing 0-0 at Stoke, United is only seven points out of first place.

“In the first half, we didn’t win enough second balls”.

Rooney reacted quickly to smash home a rebound after team-mate Marouane Fellaini had seen his header from a left-wing cross hit the woodwork.

“To beat Liverpool is always important”, Van Gaal said.

The fact United were able to leave Anfield with three points was largely down to David de Gea, who was by far the busier goalkeeper.

“I didn’t see too many chances for Manchester United, and we didn’t take ours”, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said to BBC Sport.

“I hope we can continue winning – that’s why we are here”.

Do you think Rooney has managed to fire Manchester United back into the title race? We have to defend set-pieces better. “That’s what I’m thinking”.