Philippe Coutinho struck deep in the first half to earn Liverpool a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian ace's strike cancelled out Anthony Martial's earlier penalty, which the Frenchman won himself under a challenge from Nathaniel Clyne.
Liverpool progress through to the quarter-final stage of the Europa League as a result of the stalemate, having picked up a 2-0 win in last week's first leg on Merseyside.
Relive how to 90 minutes of action unfolded at the Theatre of Dreams with Sports Mole's live text coverage.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Europa League second-leg tie between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Reds are looking to protect a 2-0 advantage from last week's opening 90 minutes on Merseyside, meaning that they head into this round-of-16 showdown as strong favourites to book their place in the next round.
This may be the 196th meeting between these English heavyweight giants, but last week's first leg was actually the first time that they had ever faced off in European competition. A rare match under the floodlights provided a superb atmosphere at times, which Reds boss Klopp believes was largely to thank for his side's impressive showing. As good as Liverpool were seven days ago, United also badly failed to get out of the blocks whatsoever and had David de Gea to thank for keeping them in the tie.
De Gea pulled off a number of big stops to keep the scoreline down to just the two-goal deficit heading into tonight's second leg, so United still have a decent chance of getting one over on their bitter rivals. Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring in that Anfield clash, tucking the ball away with 20 minutes on the clock, before an in-form Roberto Firmino bagged a well-deserved second in the final third of the match. United looked very bright in the opening seconds when creating a rare opening for Marcus Rashford, but that aside the travelling supporters had very little to cheer about.
The Red Devils actually had just five shots overall, despite chasing a goal for 70 minutes of the game, with only one of those actually testing Simon Mignolet between the sticks. It was a performance that lead to, yet again, questions being asked of manager Louis van Gaal. What exactly was the strategy deployed by the Dutchman at Anfield? Soak up as much pressure as possible, perhaps, but there was no attacking intent to United's play whatsoever. Surely - surely! - a repeat showing will not be on the cards tonight with more than 70,000 expectant supporters watching on.
That defeat actually came in the middle of what has been another shaky run of form for tonight's hosts, who are now without a win in three. West Bromwich Albion picked up a 1-0 victory at The Hawthorns a couple of weeks back, helped by Juan Mata's first-half dismissal, while the Red Devils had to settle for a 1-1 draw with West Ham United in Sunday's FA Cup tie here at Old Trafford. You would usually put such runs down to the nature of English football - anyone can beat anyone, after all - but supporters will point out that these barren runs can now often stretch into weeks, rather than just the odd sticky patch since the departure of the great Sir Alex Ferguson.
It is fair to say that United are well out of the Premier League title race now, and have been for a while in truth. Van Gaal is often quick to remind the press that his side topped the table once upon a time, but eight months is a long time in football and supporters only care about the end result. The minimum target of a top-four finish is still very much in the balance, with a crucial trip to take on rivals Manchester City to follow after tonight. United could be in the top-four picture and still in Europe come next week, although two defeats over the next three days and all of a sudden Van Gaal will surely be on the brink.
Sixteen points is currently the gap between Man United and surprise leaders Leicester City, making a complete mockery of the millions spent by the traditional big boys in the division. More importantly at this stage in proceedings, the Red Devils must make up a four-point gap on rivals Man City if they are to enjoy Champions League football next season. United could, of course, qualify for the showpiece competition via the back door route, but that would require them not only overcoming Liverpool tonight but also navigating through three more rounds to win the Europa League. That really would take some doing.
Liverpool ran out fairly comfortable 2-0 winners when these sides met in last week's first-leg tie at Anfield, courtesy of goals from Daniel Sturridge (penalty) and Roberto Firmino. Manchester United had just the five attempts all night, including only one on target, as they fell to yet another major setback under the watch of Louis van Gaal. Defeat for the Dutchman this evening, coupled with a reverse at Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, and it really may be curtains before the season is out.
So this really is a massive week for Man United at what appears to be a crossroads in the club's future; two wins in succession and things will look rosy all of a sudden, but anything less could be catastrophic. Van Gaal has argued this week that his side still have plenty to play for, despite the bleak nature of things being portrayed, and in many ways he is right. Competing in the Europa League and battling hard to simply keep up with the Premier League's top four is not in this club's psyche, though, so it is easy to see just why supporters are growing so tired of recent events at Old Trafford.
Many former players have been gathering to call for action at the top, claiming that Van Gaal is simply the wrong man to take the club forward. Dwight Yorke in particular was very outspoken earlier this week, stating that United must act now by putting assistant boss Ryan Giggs in charge. Football is constantly evolving, the ex-United striker said, with the success of Pep Guardiola in particular showing that promoting from within is now the only way to go. Many will disagree with those thoughts, but change could well be needed before the season is out.
One victory can change the mood around this club completely, however, and United are certainly no strangers to pulling off huge turnarounds in European competition. Forget the 1999 Champions League final, this month marks the 32nd anniversary since the memorable 3-0 Cup Winners' Cup win over Barcelona here to overturn an identical deficit to the one they face tonight. It has been argued down the years that the atmosphere generated on that night all those years ago was the best this ground has ever witnessed. Van Gaal will certainly be desperate for more of the same in a couple of hours' time.
DID YOU KNOW? Manchester United have won all of their previous home games against fellow English opposition in European competition. Liverpool, on the other hand, have never previously won an away game against a team from the same country. The Reds could still progress tonight even with a defeat, of course, so that record for both sides could remain intact, albeit with the travelling supporters the ones celebrating after the full-time whistle.
A difficult couple of weeks for Man United and their manager, then, but the same cannot be said for a Liverpool side seemingly on the up. Klopp was brought in last October amid much fanfare, being touted as the Premier League's biggest coup since Jose Mourinho's second coming a little over two years earlier. The eccentric German boss has not exactly pulled up too many trees just yet, with an inconsistent tenure overall, but recent results provide plenty of hope looking into the future.
One defeat in six has left Klopp's men still just about in contention for a top-four finish, yet with seven points to make up and a few teams to overtake, it is unlikely that Champions League football will be on the agenda next term. Again, that is unless Liverpool can win this competition which, with no other domestic cups to compete for between now and May, is not as far fetched as it initially sounds. The Reds boast the European pedigree, certainly, but do this current crop of players have enough about it to go all the way this time around?
Much of the aforementioned European pedigree relates to the Champions League, of course, which Liverpool famously last won in 2005. Their last success in this particular competition - or in its then-guise as the UEFA Cup, at least - came 15 years ago now in 2001. With their League Cup aspirations coming to a crushing end recently, and the FA Cup long since over with, Klopp will now be focused on going all the way and making a major statement in his maiden campaign on English soil. Like the club he now manages, the German also has a proven knack on the biggest stage.
The biggest change since Klopp took charge five months ago is the famous pressing system, or gegenpressing as it is more commonly refereed to. Changing a club's ideology is not something that will work overnight, or even over the course of a handful of months, but instead it is a process that can take years to perfect. Klopp has already moved to bring in one new face ahead of next season, and you have to wonder just what his transfer wishlist looks like at this stage following a quiet winter window. This is an exciting time to be a Liverpool supporter, though they may need just a tad more convincing before putting money on a Premier League title success next season.
Liverpool also have a decent record in European competition in recent times, having won four and drawn five of their last nine outings stretching back to February 2015. The Europa League may be a competition that still lacks the respect it deserves by English teams, as highlighted by the seven changes made by Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino last week, yet it presents a chance to not only win a major honour but also a chance to compete in UEFA's big prize the following season. In the case of United in particular, it can be the difference between a terrible campaign and a positive one.
As mentioned a little earlier, it is now three games in all competitions since the Red Devils last picked up a victory. Liverpool, meanwhile, have suffered only one defeat in their last six and have won three on the bounce to keep up this impressive momentum. The League Cup final defeat could have ended the Reds' season completely, but they have since gained revenge on Man City with a 3-0 home triumph a few days after that penalty shootout defeat, while also seeing off Crystal Palace - fortunately, it must be said - and Man United in last week's first instalment of this European tie.
The team news has just been released at Old Trafford ahead of kickoff in a little over an hour's time, and it has produced some interesting talking points as ever. I can tell you that Marcus Rashford, as expected, starts up top for the Red Devils where he will be going in search of a first goal in four outings. The English youngster made the most incredible of starts to his Theatre of Dreams career, but he has since gone off the boil after largely being forced to change his style of play.
TEAM NEWS!
MANCHESTER UNITED XI: De Gea, Varela, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Fellaini, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Rashford
LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Milner, Can, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino, Sturridge
Starting with the home side, then, and Louis van Gaal has made just the one change from last week's disappointing first-leg defeat. It comes in midfield, as Juan Mata replaces countryman Ander Herrera who misses out on the squad altogether. It was revealed earlier today that Herrera would be absent for the home side, as is Daley Blind, but it is not yet known whether it is injury related or if the pair have been rested ahead of the trip to take on Man City at the weekend.
Ashley Young and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson both miss out, with Van Gaal clearly not feeling the need to risk either player for what should be a ferocious cup clash. Elsewhere in midfield, the experienced head of Bastian Schweinsteiger would have been ideal for the Red Devils this evening, but an injury problem means that he is not fully fit and will therefore have to settle for a back-up role alongside Morgan Schniederlin on the bench.
As mentioned a little earlier, Rashford is once again selected in a forward position, with support being provided by the returning Mata, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. This is a United side that has plenty of attacking firepower in its ranks, but will they be able to muster more than the single shot on goal witnessed seven days ago? David de Gea will certainly hope so, having been named as Man of the Match in that first leg due to a number of key saves. The Spaniard is one of 10 players to retain his place in the starting lineup tonight.
Switching attention to Liverpool now, and there is also news of just the one change - James Milner coming in for Alberto Moreno. Unless Klopp has shuffled his pack - and you would not necessarily put that past him - then the Englishman will slot in at full-back in the marauding Moreno's absence. That will be a blow for the visitors heading into the match, but the Spaniard has so often been caught out of position this term and Milner will therefore provide some added stability down the flank.
The onus is on United to score, remember, so it could be a busy night for the returning Milner at the back. The vice-captain missed last week's clash through illness, but he has recovered in time to return as the Reds' only change from that 2-0 victory. Nathaniel Clyne, now established at international level with England, will be tasked with providing some width down the opposite flank, while Dejan Lovren continues to stand in for the injured Martin Skrtel.
Roberto Firmino is handed a free role in attack, having scored in each of his last three outings to become Liverpool's top scorer for the season with nine in all. It is a familiar looking side named by Klopp, containing key players such as Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson, but Lucas Leiva (thigh), Kevin Stewart (ankle) and both Joe Gomez and Danny Ings (knee) are still on the absentee list. It could, if home fans get their wish, be a busy couple of hours ahead for Simon Mignolet in goals.
BENCH WATCH!
MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Romero, Darmian, Valencia, Williams, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Memphis
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Toure, Smith, Allen, Ibe, Origi, Benteke
RoShaun Williams is among the players named in United's squad this evening, but there is plenty of experience elsewhere with the inclusion of Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger on the home side's bench. Antonio Valencia appears to have recovered from his injury problems and is also in contention to play a part, while Matteo Darmian provides cover down the flanks. Liverpool, meanwhile, can call upon Welsh duo Danny Ward and Joe Allen, and there is plenty of attacking support from Divock Origi and Christian Benteke.
James Milner, pictured below being sent off against Crystal Palace recently, return to the Liverpool starting lineup as part of Jurgen Klopp's only change from last time out. Home side Manchester United also make just the one alteration from the 2-0 defeat of seven days ago, as Juan Mata replaces the absent Ander Herrera in midfield. The Reds come into this fixture on the back of a full week's rest, remember, while their opponents faced a real tussle against West Ham United at the weekend - will that tell this evening?
REFEREE WATCH! Milorad Mazic will run the rule over both teams this evening, a few months on from officiating United's dramatic 3-2 defeat at the hands of Wolfsburg which brought their Champions League hopes to an end. The Serbian official has been selected as part of the elite group for this summer's European Championship, while also being picked for the 2014 World Cup. Mazic, who is currently officiating in Egypt domestically speaking, was however named by supporters as the worst official in Brazil two years ago.
We have already taken an in-depth look at both these sides' season to date, with particular focus on their recent form, but what about specifically in Europe? United had to do things the hard way in a certain sense, as they battled past Club Brugge in a qualifier to reach the Champions League proper. Once there, Van Gaal saw his team finish third in a group containing PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow and German side Wolfsburg. That meant the proud club had to settle for second best, with a place in the Europa League knockout stages their booby prize.
If things were not bad enough for Van Gaal, a 2-1 reverse in Midtjylland - a team whose name I still cannot spell without the use of spell check - provided arguably the lowest point of his two-year reign to date. The Premier League giants did manage to recover, of course, by winning the return leg 5-1 at the end of last month. That, ironically, provided supporters with plenty of encouragement thanks to the impressive showing of Rashford, but since then things have looked bleak once more.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have had to contend with the Europa League right from the off after missing out on the top four last season. Three 1-1 draws in succession under Brendan Rodgers and then successor Jurgen Klopp left their group-stage campaign in the balance, but two wins on the bounce and another couple of draws to see out the group unbeaten paved the way for the round-of-32. The Reds are unbeaten in their last nine European matches.
Augsburg, a team Klopp knows well from his time in Germany, provided the opposition in the last round. It was far from a classic, in truth, but in the end James Milner's goal from the spot early in the first half of the return leg proved the difference. And so here we are - a last-16 showdown between English football's two most successful sides. A 196th meeting in all, and just the second time they have faced off in European football. What a night we are in for!
PREVIOUS MEETINGS! On the subject of past encounters, let us take a look at some key stats from the recent past. United saw their impressive four-game winning run over their arch-rivals come to an end last time out, as goals from Sturridge and Firmino helped Liverpool to a comfortable win at Anfield. The Red Devils have won 12 of the last 14 meetings at Old Trafford, though, with Mata in particular shining thanks to three goals and five assists in his last nine outings against the Reds. Sturridge has also impressed, playing a part in six goals - including last week's opener - in his last seven meetings with United.
With kickoff at the Theatre of Dreams now a little over 10 minutes away, let us check out the pre-match thoughts of both managers heading into the match.
Louis van Gaal: "We don't want to concede a goal. We are thinking only of making goals. We have done that against Midtjylland in the last round. We don't want to concede, but if we do, we can score four. We have to beat them with 2-0, not with 3-0 because we can do that also in extra-time. Then we have to beat them to get to the next round. But first, two-zero."
Jurgen Klopp: "The atmosphere is loud too when all the people hate you. I don't understand what the crowd is singing, so it's easy for me. In Liverpool, it was different. If we had played poorly, I'm sure it would have not been too easy, the same atmosphere. We will decide how good the atmosphere is on Thursday with our performance. We want to do our best and mean that it's difficult to enjoy the game for Man United."
Van Gaal certainly saying all the right things heading into tonight's match, then, even admitting that United supporters "deserve" to see a positive performance from their side. The first-leg showing really was terrible, as a disjointed outfit succumbed to an inevitable defeat at the home of their bitter rivals, but with a packed Old Trafford on their side it might just be a different case tonight. Klopp, similarly, hopes that the noise inside this famous ground can inspire his men to grind out the result they require.
PREDICTION! Not long to go at all now at Old Trafford, with supporters eagerly anticipating kickoff which is around 10 minutes or so away. As a neutral I am simply hoping for an entertaining game of football this evening, as two of the continent's fiercest rivals lock horns once more. This fixture has provided arguably more classics than any other fixture down the years, but in recent times it has been a mismatch of sorts in terms of league standing. So much on the line tonight, however, with a place in the last eight of a European competition up for grabs. I am expecting goals, but I will go with Liverpool to edge it 2-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
Right, I hope that is enough to whet the appetite heading into this huge showdown. We already have a few full time results from elsewhere in Europe tonight, incidentally, so let's quickly check out the state of play in terms of the other quarter-final hopefuls. Bayer Leverkusen are through thanks to a goalless draw against Villarreal, while an incredible 3-0 win for Sparta Prague away at Lazio has helped the Russian club through as well. Gary Neville's Valencia have crashed out, meanwhile, following an aggregate defeat at the hands of Spanish rivals Athletic Bilbao.
Louis van Gaal and Jurgen Klopp have had plenty of battles down the years, including during their respective spells in Germany with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. This fixture is just about the biggest of the lot, though, with a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League at stage in this biggest of grudge matches. What will give in the 196th meeting between these two giants of the game?
Old Trafford is a real cauldron of noise at the moment, just like Louis van Gaal called for earlier in the week. The stadium announcer has even counted the players out of the tunnel from 10 down to 1, with the Theatre of Dreams exploding into noise to greet both sets of players. Liverpool may lead 2-0 from the first leg, but they have a real battle on their hands silencing home supporters this evening. The wait is finally over!
KICKOFF! Liverpool, sporting their all-back away kit, get proceedings underway at Old Trafford. Extra time and penalties potentially await tonight, remember, should United win 2-0 on the night. Quick start from the hosts, much like we witnessed a week ago.
Milner is indeed playing at right back, incidentally, with Lingard looking likely to be his direct opponent for large parts of this evening. United knocking the ball around very well at the moment, but Liverpool are chasing down every pass to prevent their opponents doing too much damage.
These opening five minutes have been completely dominated by United, who are continuing to pass the ball around the field. The hosts yet to have created anything, though, and Liverpool were quick to break through Milner down the left a few moments ago.
Home supporters still cheering on their players from the stands, and it is certainly helping United pick up the tempo. No shots of any note so far, however, with a fairly tame start to this all-English last-16 clash. Game still largely being played exclusively in the visitors' half.
Blind picks out Rojo with a positive pass, but the Argentinian defender had just one player to pick out. A positive enough start from the hosts, although they will need to move up another gear if they are to make a telling difference in the final third.
Fellaini catches Firmino with a flailing elbow, in a repeat of what we saw at Anfield seven days ago. Referee Milorad Mazic does not reach into his book on this occasion, but the Belgian will have to be careful - small margin between no booking at all and a straight red.
Milner providing Liverpool's biggest attacking threat pretty much down the left, getting high up the pitch once more and producing a decent enough cross into the box. Just Sturridge to aim for in a central position, but the ball is cut out before it can reach the Englishman.
We are 15 minutes into the match now and still yet to see any chances created or shots taken by either side. Liverpool will be the happier of the two in that sense, though United have control of the game and will be feeling positive that they can eventually find a vital breakthrough goal.
A few groans around Old Trafford as a Blind cross is easily plucked out of the air by Mignolet. Already a frustrating evening for the home supporters, but they remain right behind their side in the knowledge that there is still plenty of this match to go. Two goals required in normal time, remember, to set up extra time and pens.
Lallana so nearly fed in behind the United backline, only for the offside flag to go up. Clear to see Liverpool's gameplan, as they quickly turn the ball over and hit their opponents on the counter. Klopp now urging his side to get up the field.
SAVE! Already a big moment in this tie, as Lingard meets a cross from the left with his head to force Mignolet into a huge save. Milner allowed the ball to come in from his side, and Lingard probably should have been scoring from six yards out. From the corner, Mata fired wide from an equally-as-inviting chance.
Milner is turning into the game's most important player at the moment, bursting down the left after being allowed to maraud forward by two tracking United players. No end product once more, though, while up the other end Rashford fires a shot over the bar rather than looking to pick out the far corner.
Sakho fails to deal with a cross into the box, again from the left, which allows Rashford a sight of the ball a few yards out. The youngster appeared to fall over the Liverpool defender's leg, though, with his weak penalty appeals quickly waved away.
Manchester United have enjoyed a bright start to the game, but it is only over the past five minutes or so that they have finally moved out of first gear. Lingard had one headed attempt saved when he perhaps should have scored, while Mata was wide of the target from the follow-up volley.
SAVE! Make that one big save apiece now, as De Gea joins opposite number Mignolet in denying the opposition a breakthrough goal on the night. Coutinho fired away a shot at the end of Lallana's pull-back, forcing the Spanish keeper into arguably his finest save of this tie thus far down low to his left.
SHOT! The tide is beginning to turn all of a sudden, with Firmino joining Coutinho in getting a decent shot on goal. It dipped off the turf in front of De Dea, but the Spaniard was never likely going to be beaten from range. United need to find some momentum again following a difficult spell in this match.
PENALTY TO MANCHESTER UNITED!
Martial has looked lively all night, and his run towards the byline is only ended when going down under the challenge of Clyne. He went down rather easily, but the referee was in no doubt and quickly pointed to the spot.
GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 LIVERPOOL (ANTHONY MARTIAL, PEN)
Like Liverpool last week, United take the lead on the night via the penalty spot as Martial keeps his cool to make the breakthrough. The penalty decision was certainly contentious - was there enough contact to go down? Regardless, Martial brushed himself down and coolly dispatched the spot kick.
OFF THE BAR! A really smart free kick from Sturridge bends and dips but is denied by the crossbar. De Gea was beaten, despite the angle being against Sturridge, but luck was not on the Englishman's side on this occasion. What a tie this is shaping up to be!
United's turn to attack once more, as a free kick is nicely whipped into the box only to be cleared away by a Liverpool defender. Rashford pulls the ball back into a decent zone from the next wave, but there is no red shirt waiting to blast the ball home. Old Trafford now in full voice.
United the side on top now, and looking as though they have a second goal in them at some point tonight. The worrying thing for them is that Liverpool are also lively when getting forward, having already struck the bar once through Sturridge and forcing De Gea into a top-class save, too.
CHANCE! Brilliantly worked move from the visitors, culminating in Coutinho slipping in Henderson. The Liverpool skipper took the shot on first time and struggled to pick out the target, when he could have perhaps set himself before putting this tie further out of the Red Devils' reach.
YELLOW CARD! Philippe Coutinho joins Daley Blind in the referee's book after bringing down Lingard. The free kick will now come in from the right, providing another chance to test Mignolet at the very least.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for United to level the tie up goes begging. Fellaini used his heading ability to help the ball on for Rojo, who just could not convert from a few yards out under some real pressure. Looked like good defending at first but the referee awarded a goal kick.
GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 LIVERPOOL (PHILIPPE COUTINHO)
A superb individual goal by Coutinho completely changes the complexion of this game on the brink of half time. The Brazilian ace waltzed past Varela on the left, being allowed to drift inside and somehow beat De Gea at his front post with a fine flicked finish.
HALF TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 LIVERPOOL
What a superb half of football, full of attacking football from both sides. The opening 20 minutes passed by without much incident, in truth, but even in the opening quarter of the game there was a real positive feel to the contest. United came close to opening the scoring 21 minutes in, but Lingard's close-range header was brilliantly turned aside by Mignolet before Mata fired wide from a volley.
De Gea was then called into action to brilliantly deny Coutinho, whose strike from 15 yards out was heading for the bottom corner if not for the Spaniard's huge stop. Firmino was the next to fire away, again to be denied by De Gea, but the opening goal finally arrived up the other end when Martial tucked away a penalty. The Frenchman won the spot kick himself, going to ground under a challenge from Clyne.
Sturridge then struck the bar, as the drama-filled half continued, and Henderson should have levelled up on the night when squandering a glorious chance from close range. That looked to be it with half time just moments away, but in the final act of the opening 45 minutes Coutinho waltzed into the box and perfectly dinked the ball over the reach of De Gea to make it 3-1 to the visitors on aggregate.
No chance of extra time now, of course, so could we see some changes made at the interval. The onus is now on United to find a few more goals to progress through.
MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Romero, Darmian, Valencia, Williams, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Memphis
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Toure, Smith, Allen, Ibe, Origi, Benteke
RESTART! We are back underway at Old Trafford, with United now having it all to do in this second half. There is news of a half-time change to bring you, as the badly exposed Guillermo Varela is replaced by Antonio Valencia at full-back.
Worst possible time for United to concede right at the very end of that first half, but at least Van Gaal had 15 minutes to fire his side up. One goal and it is game on once more, though the longer it remains locked at 1-1 on the night then the tougher the task will become.
YELLOW CARD! United win themselves a corner early on in the second half, which comes to nothing. Fellaini has now entered the referee's book for another elbow incident, this time after catching Lovren in the side of the face. I tell you what, there looked to be a bit of intention to that. He will definitely miss the next European game should United progress, regardless.
YELLOW CARD! Clyne not looking great tonight, it must be said, and he has just given away another free kick on the edge of his own box. The Englishman earned a yellow for his troubles, too, levelling up the card count at two apiece.
The card count outnumbering the shot count in this second half, with neither side truly able to find their attacking groove thus far. Liverpool are now more content to sit back, while United have to go all out in search of a goal to pull themselves back into the contest.
No denying that United are the more lively side, and they have just put together their best move of the half so far. Rashford brings down the ball inside the box, but can only volley wide of the post. Sakho's earlier challenge on the United youngster has only added to what has been a frustrating night for him.
SAVE! Fellaini probably should not still be on the pitch after his elbow on Lovren, but he almost added a second goal to his side's tally when meeting a cross from the right. The attempt was right down Mignolet's throat, though, with his compatriot keeping hold of the ball.
MANCHESTER UNITED SUB! Good play by Coutinho to really put United on the back foot, but he lays it off to Sturridge who fires hight into the stands from a tight angle. A second change at full-back for the hosts now, as Darmian replaces Rojo.
Some very nice play from the hosts now as Rashford and Martial link up in the attacking third, only for the latter to blast wide of the target at the end of the move. Still plenty of time for United to claw themselves back into this one.
Gaps continuing to open up at the back now for Liverpool to break into, as expected really. The Reds lead 3-1 on aggregate, remember, with an away goal to boot. Klopp is about to introduce some fresh legs in attack in the shape of Divock Origi.
LIVERPOOL SUB! Daniel Sturridge is replaced by Divock Origi with 25 minutes to go. The Englishman did not look all that pleased to go off, but he has done his work and it is now over to the Belgian to see the attacking duties through until full time.
SUBS! Lallana with a fine bit of trickery in the United box to turn away from his opponent, before picking out a pass which is cleared away. A fourth and fifth change of the evening in quick succession now, with Schweinsteiger on for Carrick in the home side's final change and Allen on for Henderson as far as the visitors are concerned.
Around 20 minutes left to play at Old Trafford, but no sign of that key United goal arriving. Fellaini had a decent opening a few moments ago, which he scooped over the bar when left unmarked inside the box.
Philippe Coutinho's goal on the stroke of half time in this second-leg tie has taken the sting out of the Old Trafford crowd. Manchester United struggled to create too many openings since falling two behind on aggregate, and they are now left with a real mountain to climb in the remaining quarter of this match.
CHANCE! A big, big chance for Coutinho to wrap this game up for good, but he fires straight into the path of De Gea when working a yard of space inside the box. There is certainly another goal in this game, though if United are to progress then they need to find the net soon.
SAVE! Coutinho getting closer to a second, this time firing away from the edge of the box to force De Gea into shoving the ball over the bar. Time really running out for United now, who have lost any momentum they had been steadily building in the opening 45 minutes.
YELLOW CARD! The most cynical of fouls from Schweinsteiger on Lallana gives Liverpool a free kick right on the edge of the box, as well as earning the German a yellow card - the fifth of the match so far. Coutinho takes the set piece on, but curls it a fair distance over the bar.
Liverpool supporters really enjoying themselves now inside Old Trafford, knowing that only a calamitous collapse will see them fail to progress into the last eight. Van Gaal watches on as his side struggles to create any real openings in these final 10 minutes.
A few cynical challengers flying in now, the latest culprit of which - Firmino - earns a booking for his troubles. Liverpool will take that all day long, with another couple of minutes being eaten up in the process. Eight minutes remaining for United to salvage something.
United have played well tonight, but that Coutinho goal out of pretty much nothing right at the end of the first half has killed off their hopes of progression. A final change of the night is being lined up by the Reds.
LIVERPOOL SUB! Christian Benteke is given a late run out at Old Trafford in place of Firmino, who has put in another impressive shift. Can United pull a goal back and put just a little pressure on their rivals? All very comfortable for Liverpool at the moment.
Still United press for a second goal of this tie, but it will be too little too late even if they do find a way through. This second half has not lived up to expectations following an extremely entertaining first period. Giggs shouting instructions from the sidelines now, knowing full well that this one is over.
Just the two minutes of added time to play at Old Trafford. Almost a winner on the night for Liverpool, with a shot dipping right in front of De Gea, but the hosts just about cleared their lines. There does not appear to be a late United flourish on the cards.
FULL TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 LIVERPOOL
So there we have it - Liverpool will join seven other sides in the proverbial hat for tomorrow morning's Europa League quarter-final draw. Manchester United produced as good a performance as we have seen from them in recent weeks, but it was nowhere near enough to truly trouble their opponents.
Philippe Coutinho's goal late in the first half to cancel out Anthony Martial's opener was the killer blow, ensuring that Liverpool left Old Trafford with a 1-1 draw on the night and a 3-1 aggregate win overall. Before bringing this evening's live text coverage to a close, there is still time to point you in the direction of our on-the-whistle match report from the Theatre of Dreams. Thanks for joining us on another memorable night of European action!
