Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that he is "very happy" with his side's 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon.

The visitors managed just one shot on target throughout the match, but that proved to be enough as Wayne Rooney lashed home the only goal of the game with 12 minutes remaining.

Van Gaal admitted that his side were fortunate to still be level after an unconvincing first-half display, but was delighted with how they responded after the interval.

"When you beat Liverpool, it is good for the fans and for the table as our competitors also lose points, it is a big step in a good direction and I am very happy. In the first half we didn't keep the ball and we have survived the first half," Van Gaal told Sky Sports News.

"In the second half we played much better and kept the ball better and created chances and Wayne Rooney makes the fantastic goal again. I don't think David de Gea has done very much, two or three balls he has to stop, a goalkeeper has to do that. He is playing very good but you can not say he was a fantastic, marvellous goalkeeper today.

"We have played against Newcastle and given away two leads and now we have done the things we have trained and discussed so that is most precious aspect of the game today. We won and a we have won a lot of games in 2016 now and have not lost yet."

The victory, which maintains Van Gaal's 100% record against Liverpool as manager of United, lifts the Red Devils up to fifth in the Premier League table.