English Premier League leaders Manchester United defeated the defending champions Liverpool in a mouthwatering FA Cup tie on Sunday evening.

After settling for a point each in their last league encounter, the traditional rivals locked horns again in a match that promised to make amends for the last boring, goalless game. This time, they did not disappoint.  Mason Greenwood grabbed a goal for the Red Devils as Mohamed Salah also struck for the visitors. Marcus Rashford then put the Red Devils ahead again before Salah cancelled his efforts but that was not enough to see off the game.

Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes came in for Donny Va de Beek and the midfielder wasted no time. He smashed home a free kick which won the game for league leaders.

Mane came on to provide more energy and fluidity in the attack but Manchester United held on for the win despite playing off the ball for the majority of the game.

The Reds are seemingly on their rough patch of the season after losing three and drawing two of their last five matches. Their last lose came against Burnley when English striker Ashley Barnes chipped in with a solitary goal that ensured victory for them.

Jurgen Klopp’s side is yet to regain the notch-high effectiveness they enjoyed last season that won them the league with few games to spare. Elsewhere, Chelsea bounced back to their winning aways after they beat Luton 3-1 in the FA Cup tie. Tammy Abraham scored a hat trick to enable the Blues to advance to the next stage of the competition.

The win may provide a short term relief for the manager after an embarrassing performance where the Blues lost 2-0 to Leicester City despite having much of the ball last weekend.

Lampard is increasingly coming under immense pressure and scrutiny after registering bad results. The team slipped to the middle of the table and is yet to win against any top six side or any team that sits above them on the log.