Roberto Firmino scored twice as Liverpool boosted their top-four hopes with a vital 4-2 victory in a rearranged clash at Manchester United that was once again overshadowed by pre-match supporter protests.
The Red Devils, who were playing their second home game in three days as a result of the original postponement of this fixture, took the lead on 10 minutes when Nat Phillips diverted Bruno Fernandes’ outside of the foot effort past Alisson.
Liverpool saw a penalty award overturned following the intervention of VAR before Phillips made amends when his cross-shot was brilliantly flicked home by Diogo Jota. The visitors then stole in front on the stroke of half time when Firmino powered a header in at the far post from a sumptuous Trent Alexander Arnold delivery.
The Brazilian helped himself to another just two minutes after the restart when Dean Henderson fumbled Alexander Arnold’s shot straight into his path. Jota rattled the post as Jurgen Klopp’s men threatened to run riot before Marcus Rashford ensured it would be a nervy finale when he squeezed a shot beyond Alisson with 22 minutes to play.
As United poured forward chasing an equaliser, Mohamed Salah raced away on the counter attack to put the result beyond doubt in the dying minutes of the game with his 30th goal of the season.
The result means Liverpool move up to fifth spot in the table, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand. United stay second but miss the chance to confirm the runner-up berth with two matches to go.
Liverpool will now visit West Brom on Sunday with renewed belief while United host Fulham next Tuesday.