Rashford the hero as Man United sinks City

Manchester City's poor run of form in the English Premier League continued after they were beaten at the Etihad by their city rivals, Manchester United. 

Schoolboy Marcus Rashford scored the decisive strike in the first half. The United academy graduate's 16th-minute strike was enough as United ground out a much-needed victory. It was Rashford's fifth goal on his eighth appearance for the club.

Manchester City's afternoon went from bad to worse after injuries to Raheem Sterling and Joe Hart in either half to injuries. David de Gea was never really troubled throughout the game. Sergio Aguero's header against the post was actually the closest City came to equalizing.  

The result sees United maintain their quest for Champions League qualification and a perfect response to their midweek exit from the Europa League at the hands of Liverpool. 

City remain 15 points adrift of leaders Leicester with just eight games to play and surely will be looking over their shoulders as the race for the top four heats up. Man United are now level on points with fifth-placed West Ham and just a point off their city rivals.

Manchester City must now hope their poor form does not continue. The announcement of Pep Guardiola as the next manager has coincided with their bad results. They must find a way to arrest the slide or the current Bayern Munich boss will have the Europa League to contend with. 

Europa League: Liverpool knocks out Man United

Manchester United were eliminated from the Europa League last night after a 3-1 aggregate loss to Liverpool. Both sides played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford as the Merseyside team advanced to the quarterfinals. 

Manchestet United had lost the first leg at Anfield 2-0 and knew they need a good start to stand any chance of progressing. Anthony Martial continued his fine debut season in England after he was tripped by Clyne in the penalty box. The French man stepped up to score the resultant penalty kick, sending Mingolet the wrong way. 

The goal seemed to get Liverpool going as they went on the attack. Daniel Sturridge saw a sweet free kick come off the crossbar while Henderson sent his shot over the bar. 

Coutinho, however, got the crucial away goal came in the 45th minute when Coutinho raced past Guillermo Varela on the wing and chipped De Gea from close range.

The goal meant United faced an uphill battle as they needed three goals in the second half. None was forthcoming and the Red Devils were subsequently knocked out of the competition. 

Van Gaal surprised by Martial's form

Manchester United boss, Louis Van Gaal, has admitted he has been surprised by the scintillating form of Anthony Martial in his first season at the club.

The club was widely criticized for spending £36 million on the French forward last summer after he was seen as untested to cost that much. Van Gaal admits the 20-year-old is exceeding expectations after he struck his ninth goal in 37 appearances for the club.

“He was 19 (when he signed) and now he is 20 so that is surprising when you come from the French league to the Premier League and you can do this,” said Van Gaal.

Van Gaal, however, hailed his players for their performance in a comprehensive 3-0 win against Stoke City last night.

“The players have made a great performance,” he added.

“They performed well not only defensively but now also attackingly because we have created a lot of chances and we have made fantastic finishing of team goals.

“That is what I like to see. I am pleased. The finishing was also very good.”

Wayne Rooney breaks Premier League record

Manchester United and England captain, Wayne Rooney has broken the record for the most goals scored for a single Premier league club.

His crucial volley against Liverpool,which was enough to seal all three points, saw him overtake Thierry Henry who had scored 175 goals for Arsenal. 

The England striker has now scored 176 goals for Manchester United in the Premier League.

Klopp turned down Man United

Jurgen Klopp turned down the chance to move to United

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he turned down an approach from Alex Ferguson to become manager of the Red Devils. 

According to the Sun and the Mail on Saturday, the Scot great approached Klopp towards the end of his 27-year reign at Old Trafford, but Klopp turned him down feeling that the timing was not right to move away from Borussia Dortmund. with the Klopp United snub story. 

Klopp said: "We spoke not a lot but for me, it was a lot. It was a big honour, the whole talk, to be honest. But I couldn't leave Dortmund. 

"I didn't hear about a real offer (from United) but, if there was, I could not have done it. I first had to finish the job with Dortmund and then think about other things."

Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday. 

Louis Van Gaal blast media during short presser

Louis Van Gaal, who has been under intense pressure over Manchester United’s poor performance, blasted the media for fueling the speculation regarding his future. He stated he was only in the press conference because the Premier league rules meant it was compulsory for him to attend prior to the game against Stoke City.

When asked about comments made by Arsene Wenger during his press conference earlier in the day, a visibly angry LVG asked: “Has anyone in this room not a feeling that they should apologise to me? Nobody has that feeling? That’s what I am wondering.” Arsene Wenger had said earlier today that the speculation surrounding the United manager was disrespectful. 

The confused journalist then asked what the media had done wrong. In a press conference that lasted less than five minutes, the Dutch manager said he heard in the media that he had been sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

He seemed to suggest that there was a long way to go in the season and reminded those present that four weeks ago his team was in first place and in four weeks time, they could be top again. He ended the press conference by stating: “I only say now I am focused on Stoke City, I have helped my players, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and maybe also a Happy new year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and the mince pies. Goodbye.”

If Man United’s form continues against Stoke City, the pressure on the manager will build up even further considering that Jose Mourinho is available following his departure from Chelsea.