article_snippet: For all the Liverpool had shortcomings, the simple truth was that all the Liverpool couldn’t get near United and were lucky that only one goal separated all the Liverpool at the break.
article_snippet: Much has been spoken about United this year, largely about how they are a pale shadow compared to what has gone before.
article_snippet: In some respects that is absolutely right: how many of this starting line-up would have got into the treble winning side of 1999?
article_snippet: Probably only Wayne Rooney.
article_snippet: But time moves on and the 2014-15 squad are beginning to move in the right direction and what has been most impressive is the reaction they have produced since that chastening night against Arsenal two weeks ago when they were bounced out of the FA Cup.
article_snippet: Now the gap is five points ahead of Liverpool and six ahead of Tottenham and Southampton so the moment to win is one of the most important in my career.
article_snippet: After all, they are only eight points behind league leaders Chelsea and there are still eight matches to play.
article_snippet: United to be league champions?
article_snippet: Perhaps not this year.
article_snippet: But why can’t they finish runners-up?
highlights_snippet: Manchester United moved five points above Liverpool with Anfield win .
  