Premier League: Rooney's late strike sinks Liverpool.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Manchester United had captain Wayne Rooney to thank for their second win of the season over Liverpool.

Wayne Rooney continued his return to form at Anfield on Sunday, striking 12 minutes from time to earn Manchester United a 1-0 win against fierce rivals Liverpool.

In a largely tepid contest lacking quality on both sides, Rooney reacted quickest when Marouane Fellain's header rattled the crossbar - ensuring United a fourth consecutive victory over the Merseyside outfit.

Liverpool - still in flux under Klopp and struggling for consistency - had the better of the first-half chances but were made to rue missed opportunities from the likes of Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson.

Louis van Gaal's men also looked to have reverted to their goal-shy ways of recent weeks, showing little sign of the renewed attacking vigour on show during Tuesday's 3-3 draw at Newcastle United.

However, when Fellaini climbed highest to head a Juan Mata corner against Simon Mignolet's crossbar, Rooney made the most of sloppy Liverpool defending to hammer in the winner and maintain his goalscoring streak.