Match Rewind: Watch Liverpool 1-2 United from 2015

YOUR MATCH REMINDER

Visits to Anfield are always important, even when there’s nothing to play for. In March 2015, however, both sides were battling it out for the final Champions League spot, with United just two clear of the Merseysiders in fourth. Liverpool had embarked on a 13-match unbeaten run in the league since losing 3-0 to United in December, and were slight favourites going into the game. We were in the midst of a purple patch ourselves, though, and Mata’s marvellous individual performance at the heart of a composed and controlled team showing ensured the Reds were in Mersey paradise by the time the full-time whistle blew.

The Spaniard tucked home Ander Herrera’s weighted pass to ensure van Gaal’s side went into the break a goal to the good. Steven Gerrard, in his final season at Anfield, was introduced at the interval, but the Liverpool captain would be seeing the inside of the tunnel again quicker than planned: he was shown red for a studs-up foul on Herrera within a minute of the restart. Mata then doubled our advantage with a truly wonderful acrobatic effort after a one-two with Angel Di Maria. Daniel Sturridge would give The Kop an excuse to roar their side on for the last 20 minutes, before Wayne Rooney missed the chance to put the game to bed from the spot, but the day was Mata’s, and United had a key victory on our way to Champions League qualification.