Manchester United won just their second league game in their last nine

Rooney's late winner was his first goal in Liverpool's backyard for 11 years and the victory left United only seven points behind Arsenal, who went back on top even though they were held at Stoke.

The goal kept up Rooney's New Year hot streak - he has scored five in the first four games of 2016 - and took his Premier League tally for United to 176, more than any other player for one club, overtaking the previous best of 175 by Thierry Henry for Arsenal.

United manager Van Gaal said: "To beat Liverpool is always important. Today it was even more important because our competitors have lost points.

"Of course I'm looking at the title. We are seven points behind Arsenal, we have a lot of matches still to go and we have started 2016 very well.

"This game will give a big boost to the players and the fans and the environment of Manchester United. It is good for us and good for our position the table."